In the wake of the recent Kona low storms that swept across the state, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 community rallied together in a show of support—turning a weekend of men’s volleyball into a meaningful effort to help those in need.
Over two nights, March 27–28, fans packed the Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center for Rainbow Warrior volleyball games, with attendance reaching more than 8,000 on both nights. But beyond the excitement on the court, there was a deeper purpose in play.
Partnering with Spectrum Sports, raised awareness for a campus-wide food drive, encouraging fans to donate essential items as the state recovered from recent storms and historic flooding.
“We’re incredibly proud of how our 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 community showed up, not just to support our team, but to support one another,” 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 Vice Provost for Student Success Katrina-Ann Kapā Oliveira said. “In the aftermath of these storms, it’s moments like this that remind us what it means to be part of something bigger than sports. Seeing our fans, student-athletes and staff come together to give back in such a meaningful way speaks volumes about what it means to be part of this university.”
Nearly 20 volunteers, including student-athletes, university staff, Food Vault student workers and members of the , worked together to collect, sort and weigh donations. By the end of the drive, they gathered 2,984 pounds of food and toiletries.
“It was really inspiring to be part of this. Knowing that these donations are already going directly to students and families who need them makes all the effort worth it,” said Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui, a 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 student-athlete and volunteer.
The donations were then distributed to maximize impact. Food Vault Hawaiʻi retained 491.5 pounds of toiletries and 1,246.25 pounds of food to support students facing food insecurity on campus. The remaining 1,246.25 pounds of food was directed to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, extending the reach of the effort to communities across the state.
Even before the final totals were announced, the impact was already being felt. Several tubs of donated goods had made their way onto pantry shelves at Food Vault Hawaiʻi the very next morning, where students quickly began picking up much-needed supplies, highlighting the strength of a community who rallied in the face of devastation.