Report Title:

Honoring the First Non-Japanese to be promoted To the Highest Sumo Rank, Yokozuna in 1993

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

186

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

Honoring HAWAII'S NATIVE SON, Chad rowan, KNOWN THE WORLD OVER AS "akebono", UPON HIS RETURN TO HAWAII FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE SPORT OF SUMO WHERE HE ROSE TO THE PINNACLE OF THE SPORT, HAVING ATTAINED THE highesT rank, "yokozuna", or grand champion.

 

 

WHEREAS, after an illustrious 14-year career, Hawaii welcomes home its native son, Chad Rowan, better known throughout the world as Sumo Yokozuna Akebono, along with his wife Christine and their two children, daughter Caitlyn and son Cody, two years and eight months, respectively; and

WHEREAS, Akebono, whose Hawaiian roots run deep in the 'aina, was born in Hawaii on May 8th, 1969, and was raised in Waimanalo where he attended Waimanalo Elementary and Middle School, and then Kaiser High School, graduating in 1987; and

WHEREAS, an individual entering the sport of Sumo who is not a native of Japan must demonstrate, among other things, proficiency in the Japanese language and customs; and

WHEREAS, Akebono – a ring name that means "new dawn" or "rising sun" – was the first Hawaiian and non-Japanese to be promoted to the highest Sumo rank, Yokozuna, or Grand Champion, in 1993; and

WHEREAS, Akebono was naturalized as a Japanese dual-citizen two years ago and won the last of his 11 Emperor’s Cups in November 2000, emerging victorious after a grueling 15 day tournament; and

WHEREAS, Akebono, at the invitation of the International Olympic Committee, performed Sumo's "Dohyoiri" ring-entering ceremony during the opening of the XVIII Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, on February 7, 1998; and

WHEREAS, Akebono has a career total of 566 victories against only 198 losses in individual matches; and

WHEREAS, Akebono stands six feet and eight inches tall, weighs 520 pounds, is a man of immense physical size and strength, and towers as a role model for our youth in Waimanalo and throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, Akebono's outstanding career achievement in the sport of Sumo exemplifies many of the ancient character traits embodied in his Hawaiian heritage, including strength, dedication, humility, confidence, and respect; and

WHEREAS, Akebono's mother, Jan Rowan, best captured her son's experience with the statement, "He is the best he can be. That shows kids all you need to do is stay focused and reach for the stars"; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that Chad Rowan, Hawaii's own Sumo Grand Champion, or Yokozuna, known around the world as Akebono, is congratulated upon his retirement after an incredibly successful Sumo career; and

BE IT RESOLVED that Akebono is recognized as an immense man of humble origin who rose to the pinnacle of his sport and who personifies the ethic of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice through which he has become a legend in his own time; and

BE IT RESOLVED that we proudly honor and welcome home Akebono and, along with his wife Christine, daughter Caitlyn, and son Cody, extend our best wishes for continued success, health, and happiness.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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