Lt. Governor Recognizes ESPN, Maui’s Kanoa Leahey

(L-R) Kanoa Leahey, Pete Derzis, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui and Neil Everett. Photo Courtesy: Office of the Lt. Governor

By Wendy Osher

Maui’s Kanoa Leahey was among the honorees who was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui during a proclamation today in recognition of ESPN’s contributions to the state.

Leahey, who is an ESPN sportscaster, and talk show host on Maui’s ESPN 900 AM, is being honored for his work over the years, which also included time as the former sports director and anchor at KHON2 and sports anchor at KITV.

He was hired nine months ago by Pacific Media Group to host a two hour mid-day sports talk show, “Let’s Talk Sports With Kanoa Leahey.” The program airs Mondays to Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features live interviews, listener call-ins, and the latest sports happenings on island and throughout the state.

He is also a play-by-play announcer for local high school sports and the University of Hawaiʻi Men’s basketball on Oceanic Cable, and for college basketball on ESPN’s national television network.

Leahey moved to Maui in 2013 and is a third generation sportscaster in Hawaiʻi.

Lieutenant Governor Tsutsui presented ESPN with the proclamation, recognizing the organization for its creation of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic and Hawaiʻi Bowl.

Also recognized were Pete Derzis, senior vice president of ESPN Events; and Neil Everett, ESPN sportscaster and former KGMB sports director/anchor.

Both the Hawaiʻi Bowl and the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic reach millions of television viewers annually, showcasing the state to a world audience.

Tsutsui said the exposure provides “economic, athletic and entertainment opportunities” to the people of Hawaiʻi.