Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy athletics stands in full support of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) following their joint resolution condemning a violent assault committed against a Hawaiʻi athletic administrator after a high school basketball game last month.
On December 4, Natalie Iwamoto, a former administrator with the HHSAA and currently the associate athletic director at Moanalua High School on O‘ahu, was physically attacked by a parent as she escorted game officials to their vehicles following a heated contest.
“HPA Athletics stands in solidarity with the HHSAA, NFHS, and HIADA, and fully supports their joint resolutions condemning the violent assault of a Hawaiʻi athletic administrator in December,” said HPA Head of School Fred Wawner and Athletic Director Stephen Perry in a joint statement.
The incident has prompted renewed statewide attention on the safety of athletic administrators, officials, and staff, and reinforces the need for strong expectations around spectator behavior at education-based sporting events. The NFHS and HHSAA resolution denounces violence and harassment toward individuals involved in interscholastic athletics and affirms a shared commitment to sportsmanship, respect, and safety at all contests. The resolution also urges schools and athletic organizations to enforce spectator conduct policies swiftly and decisively to ensure high school sports remain safe and positive environments for student-athletes, families, and communities.
HPA Athletics remains committed to upholding these values and will continue to promote safe, respectful competition in alignment with HHSAA expectations and the mission of education-based athletics. HPA extends sincere thanks to the many Ka Makani families who consistently model respect, composure, and perspective. Your example strengthens our community and reinforces the values we hope our students will carry forward.