Selected by the football coaching staff, Anetello Flores (left) and Koliniasi Latu were honored with Arthur Osamu “Oscar” Chihara Memorial Passion and Poise football scholarships.

LAHAINA — After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arthur Osamu “Oscar” Chihara Memorial Passion and Poise football scholarship was reinstated at the Lahainaluna High School Athletic Banquet on May 18 at the campus cafeteria.

Luna seniors Anetello Flores and Koliniasi Latu are the recipients of the award that recognizes the two senior athletes on the football team that most exemplify the spirit of passion and poise that Oscar Chihara displayed on the field.

Chihara was an undersized guard and outside linebacker who led the University High School Warrior football team with a never quit and calm intensity. He captained that team in 1965 that competed in the Western League of the Los Angeles City School system and was an All Bay Area All-Star selection at the end of the season.

He died from a massive heart attack at the age of 41, leaving behind his wife, Susie, and three daughters ages nine, six and three. His business partner, Michael Heagerty, dedicated his support to Oscar’s family and sent them all through college.

He also established the scholarship for two Luna senior student-athletes. The scholarship is funded by the Gorst Compass insurance company and Michael and Jane Heagerty

Selected by the Lahainaluna coaching staff, Flores led the Luna defense from his linebacker position, while Latu was the anchor on the offensive line. Their leadership propelled the team to the Maui Interscholastic League Division I championship and a second place finish at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association state championship playoffs.

The awards to Flores and Latu included a $2,500 scholarship, a custom plaque courtesy of Maui Marking Device and a beautiful handcrafted lei made by Sharon Nohara.

Coach Rickard said, “Anetello and Koli are products of the Big Boys intermediate league program, and their football journey progressed from there to their high school careers at Lahainaluna. Even back then, you could see that they were not only talented and disciplined athletes, but equally good students as well. Both were ultimate team players and always willing to do what was best for the team.”

“They certainly succeeded on the gridiron, but just as impressive was their discipline and focus on their academics as well. Both serve as great examples to our younger players of what a student/athlete represents and what can be achieved if you are willing to put in the time and effort. We say mahalo nui to Anetello and Koli for all they have done for the Lahainaluna football program, and also congratulate them on their well-deserved award as this year’s Oscar Chihara Football Scholarship recipients. We wish them nothing but success moving forward to the next chapter of their lives.”

Both Flores and Latu graduated with 3.2 grade point averages. Latu will soon leave on a religious ministry mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, while Flores will attend Western New Mexico University this fall.