Pono leads Hawaii in Maui tournament

Justin “Pono” Tokioka, a University of Hawaii sophomore, fired a 3-under 68 to lead the Hawaii golfers following the opening round of the Kaanapali Classic Collegiate Invitational Friday at the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course on Maui.

Pono’s 68 put him in an 8-way tie for 15th place.

Pono, a graduate of Kauai High School, posted his previous career-best 69 Monday during the opening round at Princeville’s tournament, but stumbled to rounds of 76 and 79 on the remaining days, finishing in a tie for 47th with a three-day 8-over 224.

Competing as an individual, Tokioka is joined by Zachary Braunthal at 71, Justin Chu at 77, and Smart Kittirattanapalboon at 78.

Team members Brian Lee and Skye Inakoshi follow Tokioka’s lead a stroke back at 69 each. Other Warriors on the team include Scotty Yamashita (71), Ryan Kuroiwa (77) and Adrian Lee (83).