LIHU‘E — During the Kaua‘i Pop Warner Football League’s 2009 season kickoff jamboree on Saturday, the league dedicated the day’s events to The Garden Island’s Dennis Fujimoto. League Commissioner Mel Rapozo noted that the decision was made because of Fujimoto’s
LIHU‘E — During the Kaua‘i Pop Warner Football League’s 2009 season kickoff jamboree on Saturday, the league dedicated the day’s events to The Garden Island’s Dennis Fujimoto.
League Commissioner Mel Rapozo noted that the decision was made because of Fujimoto’s frequent and dedicated coverage of league action, helping to give recognition to Kaua‘i’s youth football and cheer participants.
“Dennis has been covering Pop Warner for longer than most of the league members have been here,” said Rapozo. “He’s been there through all the administrations.”
The dedication is a customary event at the annual jamboree, which incorporates each of the island’s six Pop Warner leagues.
Rapozo said that the selection for the honored individual is made each year through a process in which a league member suggests a recipient, followed by a league vote. In the past, it has typically been a person involved directly with the league, such as officials or referees.
According to Rapozo, this likely marks the first time a media member has been tapped for the distinction.
“Dennis is always there, regardless of his schedule,” he said. “We know Pop Warner conflicts with a lot of events. But he always seems to be at the games. Not only that, but he covers the cheer program as well, which helps get publicity out for both.”
