When Hilo Lanes abruptly closed in May, many bowlers were left searching for answers, concerned about the future of the sport in East Hawaii.
When Hilo Lanes abruptly closed in May, many bowlers were left searching for answers, concerned about the future of the sport in East Hawaii.
The latest casualty from the closure is the Waiakea High School bowling program.
The school did not list bowling on its list of teams for the upcoming Big Island Interscholastic Federation season at the June 12 deadline.
Waiakea Principal Kelcy Koga and Athletic Director Tom Correa reportedly made the call to cut the program because of the lack of a practice facility and travel concerns.
“This is a big hit, especially for the seniors,” Waiakea bowling coach Tracy Nakashima said. “I guess the principal decided it was too much. As a coach, I hope this isn’t the end and we can find a way for our program to continue on, despite the closure of the Hilo Lanes.”
Tracy and his father Calvin Nakashima coach the Waiakea bowling squads — Tracy the boys and Calvin the girls. The school has been a BIIF powerhouse under the Nakashimas, winning four of the last five boys team titles, and five straight on the girls side.
Last season, St. Joseph, Keaau, Konawaena, Kealakehe, Hilo, Waiakea, Ka‘u, Pahoa and Kamehameha-Hawaii fielded bowling teams. Konawaena and Kealakehe used KBXtreme as their home lanes for head-to-head matchups, while other matches were played at Hilo Lanes, including the BIIF championships.
“The way I look at it, Kona teams have travelled to our side for how long? What makes it different from us going out there,” Nakashima said.
Kilauea Military Camp has been mentioned as an alternative, but the facility only has six lanes.
Keaau, Kamehameha and Hilo are among the East Hawaii teams slated to continue on with their programs.
The decision has not been well received by parents and athletes on the team, who have voiced displeasure with the school’s decision.
“The parents are talking now,” Nakashima said. “We just have to wait and see what happens. Honestly, I hope the school can find a way. The kids deserve it.”