Kauai Pop Warner Football League wraps up 2025

The Kauai Pop Warner Football League wrapped up its 2025 football calendar with the All-American Scholastic Banquet on Sunday at Wong’s restaurant.

In addition to naming the All-American scholars from each of the five Pop Warner Associations, the KPWFL presented the Shriner’s Club with a $1,500 award.

KPWFL Commissioner Mel Rapozo said the Shrine Bowl proceeds traditionally determine how much the league contributes to the Shriner’s Club.

However, this year was not the normal Shrine Bowl because instead of a day of football games, there was just one game scheduled, Rapozo said. Instead, the KPWFL board budgeted the $1,500 presentation.

Twenty-two student athletes, including football players and cheer squad members, were named All-American scholars.

To qualify, the students needed to maintain a Grade Point Average of 96 percent or higher as verified and checked by the scholarship coordinator. Each scholar earned a certificate, and a $50 gift card that was donated by SUDS Car Wash.

Additionally, scholars in the eighth grade were submitted to the WESCON Region for possible scholarship consideration.

Scholars from the Kapaa Eagles included Ashlei Thompson, Keani Taniguchi and Kanai Kanahele.

Lihue Patriot scholars included John Higashi and Marc Cadiente.

Scholars from the Hanapepe Pop Warner Association included Maileia Arbilera, Rysen-Duke Bayot, Kahiau Kauffman, Kenahe Emery, Kathleen-Joy Pascua, Lehiwa Harper, Kaioli Acoba, Kaiden Lee and Harlow Soto.

Kekaha Titans making the All-American cut include Kheighln Guerrero, Chayden Aki, Amillia Keen, Braylee Hookano, Kawehi Rapozo, Kawena Rapozo, Aden Kanahele and Kaena Labanon.

The KPWFL Board includes Teddy Arroyo, WESCON president; Paul Pancho, former president; Acting President/Vice President and President of Kekaha Titans Jose Keamoai-Felix; Treasurer Nikki Ige; Secretary Jamie Shanks; Cheer Coordinator Yvonne Hosaka; Scholastic Coordinator Patsy Rapozo; and Directors Mila Rapanot, Randi Levinthol, Jolina Felix-Keamoai and Katrina Kamanuwai.