Maui Little Leaguers Raising Funds for Regional Tourney

By Wendy Osher

File photo of Iron Maehara Baseball Stadium in Wailuku. By Wendy Osher.

Thirteen youngsters from the Central Maui Little League “Majors” team are preparing for their journey to the West Coast.  The team, made up of 2 girls and 11 boys, earned a spot in the Western Regional Tournament after winning the 2011 Hawaii State Tournament Title for 11- and 12-year-olds last week.

The regional tournament will take place August 5-13 in San Bernardino, California.

Team members include: Kawena Alo-Kaonohi, Damien Awai,Travis Delima, Nathan Facuri, Orion Farias, Mayumi Kamau, Nawai Kaupe, Ka’o Mindoro, Kekoa Ostermiller, Kaipo Paschoal, Makana Sakamoto, Ekolu Watanabe, and Nevan Watanabe.  The All-Star team is led by coaches Bernard “Napa” Kaupe, Calvin Chaves, Lee Kashiwamura, and Branden Kaupe.

In an effort to raise funds to assist with travel expenses to the mainland, the team is conducting fundraisers and is seeking donations.  Tax deductible donations can be made to the Central East Maui Little League (Memo: Majors 2011, Tax# W28504553-01) and can be mailed to: c/o Bernard Kaupe, 1586 Wili Place, Wailuku HI, 96793.