The big, recent news, of course, was the scary April 3 accident in which a school bus carrying the Kahuku High girls water polo team to a scrimmage against Pac-Five in Honolulu suddenly veered off Kamehameha Highway in Waikane to avoid a rear-end collision, then quickly rolled over onto its side into Waikane stream — injuring more than two dozen girls.

The incident received significant media coverage, including a Honolulu Advertiser story by Laie's own Caryn Kunz, a former member of the Kahuku girls water polo team.

Fortunately, most of those injured were treated and released the same day, and before their regularly scheduled game against Roosevelt on April 5 in the BYU-Hawaii pool, head coach Makana Whitford gave the following update:

"I was in the first seat, so I saw everything. It was very fast paced," she said. "What I saw is the first car stopped suddenly [to turn into Waikane Store], and the second car stopped. I guess because the bus driver didn't have time to stop, she swerved right to miss those two cars."

"We ended up hitting the one in front us, and then rolled into a ditch. I was scared out of my mind, but I'm grateful there were no serious injuries and that everyone is okay, because it could have been worse. There was actually a tree that stopped our bus from rolling even more."

Whitford explained that one girl had a couple of hairline fractures on her ribs and a collapsed lung, and others a variety of injuries, "but they can handle that. They're tough girls," she said.

The Kahuku High girls water polo team, with
Coach Makana Whitford on the front right

"All of the girls seem to be in high spirits. They've been resting, and a few of them didn't go to school on Friday. They're all going to come today, and they're still motivated for this season."

Athletic Director Joe Whitford, Makana's father, said he heard about the accident minutes after it happened. "I actually had two daughters on the bus [Makana and Minnie Whitford], so my heart just sank," he recalled. "As soon as we heard, the principal [Lisa DeLong] and I raced down to the scene.

"We're very, very fortunate that no team member was very seriously injured, considering what happened to the bus," said the senior Whitford. "Of course, all the girls were shaken up, but we're happy to be able to play today, just two days after that tragic accident. Everybody won't be able to play because of injuries, but they weren't going to cancel today's game."

Otherwise, the Kahuku High water polo team continues its unbeaten season. "They've also been scrimmaging against the ILH schools — Punahou, Iolani, and Kamehameha. That helps them keep their edge," he said.

AD Whitford also gave the following, more typical Kahuku High sports reports, as of Kaleo's press deadline:

Boys volleyball

"The boys are doing very well and are currently undefeated in the league," he said, noting that this is the first year the boys have played in the Spring, which enables "a lot of football and basketball players to play."

"It's a most pleasant surprise, and the boys are still learning," Whitford said, "but that just shows you the talent we have. They're coached by Kaniela Kalama, and he's assisted by Michelle Cazimero."

The Kahuku High boys volleyball team, with
head coach Kaniela Kalama (standing left) and
assistant Michelle Cazimero (standing right)

Baseball

"We're currently in second place. The switch to the OIA White Division has definitely helped. That's more our level relative to the talent and quality of players that we have. We could not compete in the Red Division," Whitford said. "It's also a good confidence-building thing for our team.

Softball

"Our girls varsity softball team is also in second place," Whitford continued. "They're doing really well, with a few critical games coming up. All of these teams that I've mentioned will be advancing to their state tournaments. Mostly all of our Spring sports teams will be going to state.

Track and field

"For example, the girls are looking more and more like the team to beat in the OIA," he said, singling out Zhane Santiago, a freshman, and her sister Tajana Santiago. "Both sisters are doing very well, as are Lani Speer and sophomore Hi'ilei Cummings, who's in her first year of track. They're a combination of hurdlers, jumpers and sprinters. Even our girls who do the discus and shot put are doing really well — Juleesa Kawaaauhau and Tela Schwenke, respectively.

"Tela has one of the highest marks in the state right now. With that combination, and also the distance running of Ke'i Wasson, we're covering all the bases and looking really strong right now. I know we'll be one of the favorites as we continue the season."

On the boys side, Whitford pointed to the performance of Paipai Falemalu in both the shot put and discus. "For his size, he's doing pretty well. He's also on the four-by-one [4X100] relay team."

"We'll be entering our boys in the Punahou relays. They have this ‘weight man' event, where you have to be over 200 pounds. We'll probably win that, because we have a lot of big guys who can move. We also have the OIA relays, which has a ‘weight man' event that we do well in. That's a fun event."

Golf

"The boys golf team is doing very well. Enoka Kahawaii and Trey Fortucci are leading the way. Andrew Ching is the new boys coach," Whitford said. He explained that a recent $3,000 donation helps a lot, "because the team has to pay regular fees for their matches. We're fortunate that Turtle Bay Resort allows them to practice on their course and use their driving range."

Tennis

"The boys are doing well this year," Whitford continued. "We have a very young team, coached by Gillian and Carl Yamagata. Tyler Augenbaugh is our best singles player."

"We have no seniors on either the girls or boys team, so we should be more competitive next year."

In other Kahuku High sports news: Jray Galea'i received Honorable Mention in the Honolulu Advertiser's 2008 All-State Boys Basketball Team. 

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