AAJA Hawai‘i’s inaugural Trivia Bowl brings nearly 200 together for a night of friendly competition

September 25, 2026 Diane S. W. Lee AAJA Hawaii, Events, Featured, News 0

It was a memorable evening of knowledge, competition and fun as our AAJA Hawai‘i chapter’s first-ever Trivia Bowl proved to be a huge success.

Sixteen teams participated and almost 200 people attended our chapter’s inaugural event on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Bay HNL at Dole Cannery. It was by far our chapter’s biggest fundraiser in years!

Congratulations to Ulupono Initiative (Ulupono Asterisk), which captured first place and took home the coveted Trivia Bowl trophy bowl. The winning team members were Caroline Julian Freitas, Keith DeMello, Michael Colon, Catherine Colon, Trisha Yamato, Vaughn Cotham, Amy Hennessey, Erin Khan, Noreen Reimel, and Marcus Reimel.

Ulupono Initiative (Ulupono Asterisk) captured first place and took home the coveted Trivia Bowl trophy bowl. The team is flanked by AAJA Hawai‘i president Rick Quan, far left, and Retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, far right. Photo by Dennis Oda.

Honolulu Civil Beat (Civil Beasts), Free Agents and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Star Power) tied for second place, while Aloha State Daily (Whoo Dis) came in third.

 

Honolulu Civil Beat (Civil Beasts), Free Agents and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (Star Power) tied for second place. Photo by Dennis Oda.

 

Aloha State Daily (Whoo Dis) came in third place. Photo by Dennis Oda.

The UCE Wrestlers team, who all arrived in full wrestling costumes, captured the Spirit Award.

The UCE Wrestlers won the Spirit Award along with a box of Sapporo ramen noodles. Photo by Dennis Oda.

A sincere mahalo to all who took part, especially our two presenting co-sponsors, Ginny Tiu and Hawaii State Sen. Glenn Wakai.

Also, mahalo to The Bay owner Burt Kawasaki for the venue space, Mama Merce’s Kitchen for catering and Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald who served as a guest judge.

PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA The AAJA Hawaii team includes from top left to right: Bryce Hanamoto, Rick Quan, Wes Nakama, Jill Kuramoto and Neal. From bottom left to right: Diane Lee, Annalisa Burgos, Carol Lin, Julianna Kim and Caroline Julian-Freitas.
The AAJA Hawai‘i team who helped make the event possible, from top left to right: Bryce Hanamoto, Rick Quan, Wes Nakama, Jill Kuramoto and Noel Ishihara. From bottom left to right: Diane S. W. Lee, Annalisa Burgos, Carol Lin, Julianna Kim and Caroline Julian-Freitas. Photo by Dennis Oda. 

This marks the start of an annual tradition, so gather your teams ready for next year and start studying up on your trivia!

— AAJA Hawai‘i Board 2026

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