HANAPEPE — “They were hitting the ball,” said Stel Pimental, an avid supporter of The Rookies, the Kaua‘i Senior Softball champion. “One guy hit the ball so hard, it went over the building into the Majors field.”
Pimental’s comments came following the opening game in C Division when the Punatics knocked off ‘Ohana, 14-2 to start the fireworks at the 45th Hawai‘i State Senior Softball tournament that is centered around the Hanapepe Stadium complex of three fields.
Playing within the constraints of COVID-19 safety protocols of face masks, social distancing, and no large gatherings, the tournament features nearly 40 teams, including 14 teams from Kaua‘i, playing in five divisions. Additionally, due to the safety protocol, there is no traditional Opening Ceremonies, or the fun and fellowship luau.
“With quarantine, social gathering limits, and travel restrictions completely disrupting our daily lives, this year’s Hawai‘i State Senior Softball Tournament is a sign that we are returning to normalcy,” said Hawai‘i State Senate President Ron Kouchi in a message relayed through the souvenir booklet. “This tournament is a perfect time for recapturing and reinforcing friendships, camaraderie, and competition.”
Kouchi, himself having roots on Kaua‘i’s Westside, also honored Pat Baniaga, the honor usually being done during the Opening Ceremonies.
“Noticeably absent from this year’s festivities is the ‘guru’ of Kaua‘i baseball and softball, Pat Baniaga who passed away in December, 2019,” Kouchi said. “While we mourn his passing, we cherish his legacy and leadership in Waimea High School softball, the West Kaua‘i Youth Baseball League, and as League Coordinator for the Kaua‘i Senior Citizens League Softball for more than 15 years. He is an example of Kaua‘i’s incredible talented and dedicated individuals, and his legacy will continue to live on through those whose lives he impacted.”
Pool play continues Wednesday, and part of Thursday, concluding with the respective Division Championships.
Participating teams include from the Big Island, Hilo Pomaikai with former Kauaian Donald Ouderkirk as manager, the Honomu Rockets, Hui O Na Kolohe, Kona Gold, Kona Legends, Kona Warriors, Kua‘aina II, Ku‘ikahi, Kupuna Pride, Onipa‘a. Pohaku, Punatics, Pueo, and Waiakea Seniors.
Teams flying in from Maui include Bases Loaded, Kolohe, Maui Raiders, Oloz, Toros, Wahine Kane, and Waste Pro, a team described by former Kauaian Lance Higashi as a “traveling team that has competed in Las Vegas and other places.”
Oahu teams are led by three-time defending champion Aikane, the Waipio Makule, Xpress, and Zen.
Host Kaua‘i teams are led by Kaua‘i Senior Softball Champion Rookies, Barteks, Da Kruzers, East Kaua‘i Gents, East Kaua‘i Legends, the Hanamaulu Hillsiders, Islanders, Kawaihau, Kuku’s Aces, Aloha Kia Lihu‘e A’s, ‘Ohana, ‘Ohana Rebels, Solid Steel, and West Kaua‘i.
Aug. 3 Results
A Division:
Waste Pro 9, Barteks 6
Aikane 22, Pueo 9
Keonimana Gents 22 , Hilo Pomaikai 17
Rookies 16, Kona Legends 13
Keonimana Gents 10, Waste Pro 9
Aikane 17, Kona Legends 16
B Division:
‘Ohana Rebels 16, Honomu Rockets 7
Bases Loaded 13, Aloha Kia Lihu‘e A’s 12
‘Ohana Rebels 7, Kuikahi 1
Aloha Kia Lihu‘e A’s 9, Kona Gold 5
Kuikahi 6, Kawaihau 1
C Division:
Punatics 14, ‘Ohana 2
Maui Toros 16, Kua‘aina II 3
Maui Raiders 17, Solid Steel 14
Islanders 11, Onipa‘a 7
Punatics 16, Maui Raiders 7
Maui Toros 17, Onipa‘a 16
D Division:
Waiakea Seniors 11, Da Kruzers 10
Oloz 14, East Kaua‘i Legends 10
Kolohe-Maui 11, Zen 4
Hanamaulu Hillsiders 12, Pohaku III 3
Da Kruzers 8, Kolohe-Maui 6
Oloz 17, Pohaku III 5
E Division:
Kuku’s Aces 15, Kona Warriors 14
Wahine Kane 14, Kupuna Pride 8
Waipio Makules 19, Xpress 6
Hui O Na Kolohe 19, West Kaua‘i 6
Waipio Makules 14, Kona Warriors 1
Wahine Kane 15, West Kaua‘i 9
