2025 ANNUAL AWARDS

The USTA Hawaii Pacific held its 3rd Annual Awards Luncheon on November 15 which followed our Annual Meeting.

The 2025 Annual Awards recognized individuals and organizations for all they do to help support and grow the game of tennis in Hawaii.

Presidents Award: Rick Daysog

The President’s Award is given to an individual or organization who has made outstanding contributions to tennis through service,commitment, and example.

This award is one of the Section’s highest honors.

Nominations were made and awardee selections were made for the following awards:

Outstanding Tennis Facility of the Year Award /Royal Lahaina Resort

The Outstanding Facility of the Year Award recognizes a tennis facility for the overall layout, adaptation to the site, quality of the court surface, lighting and accommodations for players and spectators. An important consideration are the programs, open to the public, to include USTA sanctioned events and other programs designed to grow tennis participation.

Outstanding Coach of the Year Award / Ernie Blachowiak

The Outstanding Teaching Professional / Coach of the Year Award recognizes a teaching professional or tennis coach who has achieved teaching and coaching excellence and who has dedicated many years to helping to grow tennis participation. Important considerations include running USTA and other tennis tournaments and events and overall community service.

Hall of Fame - Outstanding Player Award / Beth Montalvo (formerly Beth Arnoult)

The Outstanding Player Award commemorates an individual in the USTA Hawaii Pacific Section who is recognized for outstanding competitive achievements with considerations of sportsmanship and character.

Hall of Fame - Outstanding Community Service Award / Russell Lum

The Community Service Award commemorates an individual in the USTA Hawaii Pacific Section who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the promotion of grassroots community tennis over a period of time.

Years of Service Award

5 Years: Christine Watanabe (Kauai) Kirk Shorte (West Hawaii)

10 Years: Dave Okamura (East Hawaii)

Community Tennis Organizations (CTO’s) made their selections for the Volunteer Service Awards

This award is given to an individual or organization (selected by each CTO) who has made outstanding contributions to promote and develop the growth of tennis on Maui, Kauai, East Hawaii,

West Hawaii and Oahu .

Kauai: Catherine “Kimi” Hiranaka

East Hawaii: Marissa Hayashi

West Hawaii: Rudy Embernate

Maui: Stina Kiili

Oahu: Derek Brow