[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S8527]]
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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   CONGRATULATING HAWAII'S 2008 LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I congratulate our Little League 
team from Waipio, HI, for winning the 2008 Little League World Series 
last month in Williamsport, PA.
  On Sunday, August 24, the Waipio Little League team from West Oahu 
defeated international division champion Matamoros, Mexico in the 
Little League World Series Championship game, by a score of 12 to 3.
  Led by pitcher Caleb Duhay, who struck out seven, and infielder 
Tanner Tokunaga, who hit two home runs, the team from Waipio scored 
first and never trailed. Outfielder Iolana Akau added another Waipio 
home run and made a spectacular diving catch late in the game to lock 
in Waipio's victory.
  Waipio's team roster includes Matthew Yap, Kainoa Fong, Ulumano Farm, 
Christian Donahue. Iolana Akau, Trevor Ling, Jordan Ulep, Caleb Duhay, 
Jedd Andrade, Tanner Tokunaga, Pikai Winchester, Keelen Obedoza, and 
Khade Paris. The team is led by manager Timo Donahue and coaches Kiha 
Akau and Gregg Tsugawa.
  Waipio went undefeated in the Little League World Series Tournament, 
beating seven U.S. teams to get into the U.S. Championship game. Hawaii 
beat a spirited team from Lake Charles, LA, 7 to 5, in an exciting, 
come-from-behind victory, to advance to the World Championship game.
  I am proud of their impressive victory but more so of the humility 
and sportsmanship that the team from Waipio displayed as they won with 
aloha. I recognize the sacrifices made by the coaches, family members, 
and friends, who worked hard to help these youngsters follow their 
dreams. I applaud them all and wish them the best in future endeavors, 
both on the field and off.

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