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The debate continues for the passionate and compassionate fans of the Kahuku Red Raiders. Monday’s story in the Star-Advertiser about the ongoing petitions for and against the nickname included interviews with three prominent voices in the discussion. Generational, familial ties to the school are deeply rooted. Tanoai Reed played for Kahuku, as did his father and son. Kahuku graduate and Kamehameha high school teacher Norm “T-Man” Thompson also played for the Red Raiders, but has changed his perspective over time. […]

(Update: Bellefonte High School in Pennsylvania is still debating on a possible name change.) In Pennsylvania, a high school may cease being the Red Raiders. In Lubbock, Texas, a prominent university thrives as Red Raiders. What’s the difference? Possibly, community support. Since the beginning of American democracy, communities create the standards and often times, laws are created to reflect those values, for better or worse. At Kahuku, where “Red Raiders” as an identity has been set in stone since 1950, […]

(Note: The counter petition was started by Fatu Te‘o-Tafiti and has been updated as of July 9, 9 a.m.) A petition drive is underway to change the nickname of Kahuku High School. The school has been “Red Raiders” for decades after receiving much-needed uniforms from ‘Iolani generations ago. While ‘Iolani later dropped “Red” from its nickname two decades ago, Kahuku has thrived in athletics and has a rich tradition, particularly in football. The online petition has 478 signatures as of […]