Kailua won the 2012 Hammer Trophy game from rival Castle, but both football programs are winners in the larger picture, thanks to Hardware Hawaii (HH).<\/p>\n
The local business created and funded the trophy in 2009 and recently gave monetary donations to both schools. The gift comes at a good time, as community support is more vital than ever, given the economy and the rising costs of running an athletic department.<\/p>\n
“It definitely helps us, and it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Kailua athletic director Ramona Takahashi. “It lessens our fundraising responsibilities. We do a lot of fundraising to keep up with expenses.”<\/p>\n
Castle head football coach Nelson Maeda said he’s “very appreciative” of the donation and HH’s continued sponsorship and involvement in the local rivalry. “It was a pleasant and unexpected surprise on the thoughtfulness and generosity of David Lundquist and staff.”<\/p>\n
Founded in 1954, Hardware Hawaii opened its first store at Kailua Shopping Center. Lundquist oversees the company, which was founded by his parents, Mary and Dana. HH has been a big supporter of Windward sports since then, including the Hammer Trophy, which is updated every year with the latest game score.<\/p>\n
Lundquist watched that very first Castle-Kailua game back in 1955, according to HH marketing director Mark Haworth. “As we move into the future,” he said, “we’ll look for other ways to help them.”<\/p>\n
Castle gets a huge boost this year with the completion of a state-funded $5 million renovation of its stadium, with artificial field turf among the upgrades. Still, day-to-day operating costs remain high.<\/p>\n
“Outside support is crucial to our program,” Maeda said. “The schools can provide only for our basic program needs; others have to be fund-raised or financed through the players’ own shallow pockets. In addition to Hardware Hawaii, we have been fortunate that Meadow Gold Dairies has been, and continues to be, a longtime sponsor. Without them, our mission is that much more difficult.<\/p>\n
“There’s bus transportation, team uniforms, equipment ($400 per player), practice equipment and attire, meals, etc. It costs thousands of dollars, so every little bit helps.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kailua won the 2012 Hammer Trophy game from rival Castle, but both football programs are winners in the larger picture,..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-windward","category-windward-oahu-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n