Posted on: Thursday, June 23, 2005

Hawai'i defends 'Warrior' name

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i has stated its case to the NCAA on the use of the nickname "Warriors," saying it is "associated with cultural traditions that are unique to these islands" and not a reference to "American Indians."

Last month UH was one of approximately 30 schools the NCAA asked to justify their use of nicknames or mascots the NCAA deemed "often associated with Native American imagery."

At the time, UH made an oral explanation to the NCAA but was asked to complete a more detailed self-study.

In a letter addressed to the NCAA dated yesterday and made public by the school, athletic director Herman Frazier wrote: "In regards to the 'Warrior' nickname by some of our men's teams, it was interesting to find that Webster's Dictionary defines a Warrior as 'a veteran soldier; a fighting man; a redoubtable person.' There is no direct reference to American Indians in the definition of this word.

"Additionally, in Hawai'i the term 'Warrior' is associated with cultural traditions that are unique to the islands. Any UH symbols, performances, logos etc. have represented and honored these island cultures."

UH furnished copies of its logos and a picture of entertainer Vili Fehoko in costume, noting, "currently, the UH athletics department does not have an 'official' mascot. However, in the last few years a local entertainer, 'Vili the Warrior,' has been hired to perform at UH football games and men's volleyball matches. ... His representation of the nickname 'Warrior' is distinctive to island cultures and not those of American Indians."

Frazier wrote: "UH proudly embraces the cultural history and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands and its brands and symbols reflect that pride."

UH uses "Warriors" or "Rainbow Warriors" for nicknames for six of its 19 teams.

The NCAA stepped into the issue of imagery, nicknames and mascots after the NAACP began a 2000 economic boycott of South Carolina over that state's use of the Confederate flag. The NCAA imposed a two-year ban on holding its championships in South Carolina and extended it indefinitely last year.

Since then the NCAA's Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee has zeroed in on the use of suspected Native American nicknames, mascots and symbols, asking schools deemed to employ them for explanations.

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