By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

Let's see now, Hanover College in Indiana says it has an "H" Club and so do Harvard and Hampton. Heidelberg and Houston have "H" Associations and there are probably a bunch more schools out there with variations on "H" groups.

Not counting those with 4-H clubs, that is.

So, what the "H" is our own University of Hawai'i-Manoa doing messing with the name of its long-time booster group, 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue?

For nearly 40 years now, the "Society of the Rainbow Warrior" — as it has proclaimed itself in translation — has given UH a huge financial helping hand and reflected a bit of the uniqueness of the institution it has served.

Commonly known as Koa Anuenue, it has underwritten nearly $15 million in scholarships, sponsored banquets and even built a dormitory.

There are hardly an overabundance of traditions or successful institutions in UH athletics. So, why the bum's rush to homogenize a recognized name? Why re-brand something that has worked since 1967 and, with a little streamlining and a renewed commitment, can do an even better job for many more years to come? If they didn't change it after the NCAA sanctions of 1977, why switch now?

Yet, a UH memo circulated among coaches and staff this month heralds, "Ahahui Koa Anuenue is Changing its Name!" and says a committee has "recommended 'H' Club."

In 2001, UH finally began the overdue process of bringing what had become a vast and sometimes conflicting network of athletic booster clubs, nearly one for each of the now 21 sports, under one umbrella. It has invited new blood.

The idea was that various groups, such as the Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Booster Club, Na Koa, etc., would still be there to support individual sports. But to comply with NCAA rules, reduce the conflicts and improve much-needed funding, Koa Anuenue would return to being the overall organization the late Gov. John A. Burns had envisioned when he created the group in 1967 with $8,000 of his own money and checks from a couple dozen others.

Unforeseen back then, perhaps, was that UH would eventually spin off into so many nicknames, Warriors, Rainbows, Rainbow Wahine, Rainbow Warriors, etc. Still, decades later, "Society of the Rainbow Warrior" has the breadth to encompass them all.

The athletic department may soon be demanding a heftier fee from Koa Anuenue members in order to retain seats, some of which have been held for a quarter-century or more, in the most desirable locations.

If it comes to that, it behooves UH to offer them real value for the money. Not something that homogenizes a unique name of long standing.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.