12 athletes overcome pandemic obstacles to earn induction into Hawaii Hall of Honor
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Jun. 19—From Aiva Arquette to Kaleonahe Bukoski, the arch of success is a result of self-determination.
The Enterprise /HHSAA Hawaii Hall of Honor's class of 2022 overcame historic obstacles in the pandemic era, but all 12 inductees chose to get better, not bitter.
Arquette, the boys basketball All-State Player of the Year and a potential selection in the upcoming MLB Draft, spent much of those quiet days in the weight room and at the batting cages.
At 6 feet, 4 inches, the Crusader shortstop shares something in common with a Hall of Fame infielder, Cal Ripken : a love for basketball.
"I watch his videos on YouTube. Basketball, there's just something about it. I just love the sport. It really gives me more adrenaline, " said Arquette, who signed with the University of Washington.
For Bukoski, reaching elite status as a soccer and volleyball player for Division II Kauai simply expanded her horizons.
"One of the best things about being recognized is meeting younger soccer and volleyball players. Some are shy and some get excited, but I like that I can leave a positive impression on them, " the two-sport captain said.
The'22 lineup includes two girls basketball players, Jovi Lefotu of 'Iolani and Kaliana Salazar-Harrell of Konawaena. There is a prolifically successful swimmer, Grace Monahan of University Lab ; a female wrestler /judooka, Erin Hikiji of Mililani ; a dominant girls volleyball player, Devin Kahahawai of Kamehameha ; and one of the most versatile softball players in recent memory, 'Iolani's Ailana Agbayani.
There is a high-scoring, high-flying hoopster from basketball-crazy Kohala, O'shen Cazimero. Moanalua's Blaze Sumiye, a three-time state champion in wrestling and judo, could have earned as many as three more crowns if not for the pandemic.
There is Tevarua Tafiti of Punahou, who made an impact from the moment he stepped on the football field for the Buffanblu. Then, there's Kale Spencer, whose rare combination of football, basketball and volleyball success elevated Kamehameha-Maui to new heights.
Due to the volatility in COVID-19 cases, the Hall of Honor banquet was canceled. There has not been a banquet since 2019.
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