New ‘Island’ soccer team approved by HHSAA

LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association approved a petition on Wednesday, which has created a new “Pac-Two” boys soccer program in the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, combining players from Island School and Olelo Christian Academy.

Olelo Christian, a co-ed private school located in Lihu‘e, has been added to the KIF as an associate member. KIF executive director Diane Nitta said that associate members have fewer competitive athletic programs than full league members.

In order to gain status as a “Pac-Two” program, the newly-formed team must play under a different name than the existing conference members, as well as wear separate uniforms. The new team is being referred to simply as “Island,” rather than “Island School.”

The HHSAA recognized the new team, making them eligible for postseason play if they were to win the KIF championship.

Additionally, a change to this season’s soccer schedule was announced by the KIF, which will move up the start time of all Saturday boys varsity games involving Island. These games were previously scheduled for 1:30 p.m., but will now be played at 10 a.m.

The change was made in order to allow for the possibility that referees can officiate both boys varsity games. Originally the games were to be played simultaneously, but the Island games will now occur early enough to allow for refs to travel to each game site.