BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE – I want to commend the Waipio All-Stars – the 2010 U.S.A. Little League World Series Champions – for their outstanding achievement this summer. In their third trip to the Little League World Series, the Waipio All-Stars exhibited tremendous discipline, unrelenting determination, teamwork and sportsmanship.
I am so proud of these athletes who played each game with grit and youthful exuberance. They taught all of us a lesson about persistence, as well as how to have fun while working together toward a common goal.
The team’s achievements clearly reflect the guidance of their parents, coaches and teachers. I want to especially recognize Team Manager Brian Yoshii and coaches Kiha Akau and Jason Heleski for their leadership in mentoring these young athletes and providing them a strong foundation for success both on and off the field.
The loss to Japan this weekend in no way takes away from what the Waipio All-Stars have brought to our state: tremendous pride to their families, their community and the entire State of Hawai‘i.
I look forward to hosting the players, coaches, staff and parents after they arrive home and get settled back into their normal routine.
Donations to help defray the costs of the parents and players are still being accepted at:
Hawai‘i Children’s Foundation
c/o Clear Channel Communications
650 Iwilei Road, Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96817
The Hawai‘i Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Checks should be made out to the Hawai‘i Children’s Foundation. Please indicate on the check that the donation is for the Waipio All-Stars Little League Team.