HONOLULU — Central Pacific Bank (CFB) announced on Tuesday it will serve as the first-ever title sponsor for the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation (KIF) sports championships over the next three school years, ending in 2026.
CPB said the unprecedented financial support will help enhance the player and audience experience at the KIF title contests.
Additionally, CPB will serve as title sponsor for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) and the Maui Interscholastic Federation leagues, including all 21 sports championships conducted in the fall, winter and spring seasons.
The exception is KTA Superstores remains title sponsor of the BIIF Boys and Girls Basketball championships.
“As a former head coach and current principal, I know that CPB’s support will help ensure that the neighbor island leagues will have enough funds to conduct our respective championships for the next three years,” said Tommy John Cox, KIF President and Kapa‘a High School principal.
CPB will provide funding to help pay for the costs to perform the championships, including game officials, security, gate monitors, tropies and medals.
“The tragedy in Maui showed us how sports can rally a community and provide a sense of normalcy during challenging times,” said CPB President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Martines, who was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island and is a graduate of Honoka‘a High School.
“High school sports are an important component of our student-athletes’ educational experience and are a healthy outlet for young people, which is why it is a privilege to provide this commitment of support for the neighbor island schools.”
The KIF is comprised of nine high schools; the BIIF is made up of 24 high schools; and the MIL membership includes 14 high schools.
Central Pacific Bank, a primary subsidiary of Central Pacific Financial Corp., operates 27 branches and 57 ATMs in the state of Hawai‘i. Central Pacific Financial Corp., traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CPF,” is a Hawai‘i-based bank holding company with approximately $7.57 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023.
