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Council honors Kamehameha Schools Maui girls flag football team after inaugural MIL championship
Summary
The Maui County Council adopted a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Kamehameha Schools Maui girls flag football team on winning the Maui Interscholastic League inaugural championship; the team, coaches and supporters were recognized and the head coach addressed the council.
The Maui County Council on May 16 unanimously adopted a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Kamehameha Schools Maui girls flag football team for winning the inaugural Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) girls flag football championship.
The resolution (Res. 25-117) recited that the MIL fielded nine teams in the 2025 season, described Kamehameha Schools Maui's unbeaten regular season and a dramatic championship that went to six overtimes before the Warriors claimed a 13-7 victory over Baldwin High School on April 19. The resolution also lists players, coaches and athletic staff by name and directs that certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the team and school athletic officials.
Council member Nohelani Uhudgins introduced the resolution and asked for members' support. Vice Chair Yuki Lehi Sugimura seconded the motion; the council recorded seven ayes and two members excused. After the adoption, head coach who introduced himself to the record as Kai Oipani ("Coach Rip") addressed the council, described the team's season and the championship-winning play and thanked the council and the Kamehameha Schools athletic department for support.
Coach Kai Oipani described the title game's sixth-overtime winning play: after stopping Baldwin's attempt near the goal line, the Warriors drove to the three-yard line, called the play and completed a short pass to the team captain who reached up, secured the ball and scored the winning touchdown. "When the ball was actually thrown to her, it was thrown short just by a little bit," Oipani said to the council. "Journey stepped in front, grabbed the ball, and literally just right into the end zone." The coach praised the players' development across the season and recognized opposing coach Dean and Baldwin High School for a well-played final.
Earlier, a player representing the team's captain and a testifier from the community noted the season's significance and the role of Title IX in expanding athletic opportunities for girls; a community speaker, Cori Vissens, traced the local and national context for girls' sports and urged celebration of the team's inaugural achievement.
Why it matters
Ceremonial resolutions do not create policy, but they record official recognition and provide a public record of the council's acknowledgment of community achievements. Council members said they wanted to honor the athletes, coaches and families and to note the team's role in advancing opportunities for young women in Maui County athletics.
Ending
After the council vote, members invited the team and coaches to receive a lei and take a group photograph with council members. The adopted resolution directs that certified copies be transmitted to school athletic leadership and named individuals listed in the resolution.
