HONOLULU (KHON2) — What started as a shared passion for basketball has transformed into a powerful movement for good.
Now in its third year, Hoops for Hawaiʻi is back with its annual 24-hour hoopathon — a high-energy, community-driven event dedicated to supporting local nonprofits.
The idea for Hoops for Hawaiʻi was born after the duo attended Hoops for Hope in Boston back in 2022. Along with fellow co-founder Jay Grasso, they felt inspired to bring the concept to Hawaiʻi, using basketball not just as a sport, but as a platform to uplift the community.
“It started with the idea of playing for a bigger purpose,” said Dequina. “We launched in 2023 with the goal of creating a 24-hour hoopathon that would directly support local charities, especially those focused on keiki and family well-being.”
Over the past two years, the event has raised nearly $100,000 for beneficiaries like Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaiʻi and Palama Settlement.
For Kauwe and Dequina, the impact is personal.
“Being able to hand that check to Ronald McDonald House last year — with a family there who had benefited from their services — was one of the most powerful moments,” said Dequina.
Kauwe added, “Talking to Palama Settlement’s Sam Iona, and hearing how the funds helped provide weekly meals for the keiki… then seeing volunteers from our event go back to mentor and play with the kids? That kind of impact stays with you.”
EVENT DETAILS
This year’s 24-hour hoopathon runs from 8 a.m. Saturday, July 12 to 8 a.m. Sunday, July 13 at Palama Gym. The event isn’t just about nonstop basketball. It’s a full-blown community celebration.
“There’s always music playing,” said Kauwe. “We even have volunteers show up with pom-poms, horns, anything to keep the vibe alive,” said Kauwe.
“Bring your basketball shoes and your dancing shoes,” Dequina smiled. “And of course, water. We’ve got that covered.”
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Attendees can expect:
- Hourly basketball games
- A free kids’ clinic with HPU and UH Wahine players (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Food, music, and live DJ sets
- Card-writing stations for families benefiting from the charities