WHEREAS, high school athletics offer Hawaii's youth many valuable lessons that not only help them grow physically, but also help them mature mentally and develop academically; and

WHEREAS, the members of the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM used both their mental and physical abilities to propel them all the way to the Division I Hawaii State Football Championship, bringing excitement and pride to their fellow classmates and to the Wahiawa, Launani, and Schofield communities; and

WHEREAS, making their first state tournament appearance, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM traveled all the way to the Big Island on November 19^th to defeat Kealakehe High School, 28-7, in the first round; and

WHEREAS, in the semifinals, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM displayed an enormous amount of grit and determination by defeating the then number one ranked Kahuku Red Raiders, which at the time had not lost to an opponent from Hawaii in 23 straight games, 17-14; and

WHEREAS, even though the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM was undersized and considered to be an underdog many times, it earned its way to its first State Championship game since the 1984 Oahu Prep Bowl, where it defeated Saint Louis; and

WHEREAS, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM reached this momentous occasion by defying all odds and showing that hard work and perseverance can overcome enormous odds in leading to success; and

WHEREAS, throughout the 2004 season, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM exhibited flawless courage and athletic skill to overcome many obstacles and fierce opposition, and to have a season that it could take pride in; and

WHEREAS, behind the guidance of Head Coach Nolan Tokuda, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM was instilled with the values of teamwork, dedication, and hard work, which carried the team throughout the whole season, and which will remain with the members of the team even as they graduate and move on with their lives; and

WHEREAS, the success of the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM was made possible due to the relationships that were forged within the team and due to the discipline, sportsmanship, and athletic ability displayed; and

WHEREAS, the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM's season could not have been achieved without the assistance of all the coaches, managers, trainers, and fans that supported it; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that this body hereby congratulates the LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL 2004 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM on a successful season, and recognizes their achievements and the pride that they brought to the Wahiawa, Whitmore, Launani, and Schofield communities.