A Hawaiian politician has cast doubts on the rugby franchise being set up in his state for Major League Rugby after casting doubt on claims Kanaloa Hawaii Rugby officials have made in recent interviews which the club's CEO has since called "misconceptions".
Kanaloa Hawaii Rugby is the ambitious idea of former All Blacks Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Atiga, John Afoa, Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko and last month it was announced the club had gained entry into MLR – the USA’s premier rugby competition.
Following the launch, the club has done interviews to promote their club and even hinted at aiming to establish a second, separate team in Super Rugby.
But some of those comments have now been labelled as inaccurate, with Glenn Wakai, a senator in the state legislature, casting doubt on multiple claims made by the club.
Mr Wakai told Hawaii News Now Kanaloa Hawaii Rugby’s plans to play in 2021 are premature.
"They had mentioned in their announcement four relationships: one with the Hawaii Tourism Authority who's never heard of them; the stadium authority, never talked to them; the University of Hawaii which denied them their practice facilities; and for Hawaiian Airlines they said they had a sponsorship agreement. Hawaiian Airlines has no sponsorship agreement with these folks," Mr Wakai said.
“They’ve got less than a year to put this together. The fact that they haven’t actually contacted the stadium authority is very concerning to me.”
Kanaloa Hawaii chief executive Tracy Atiga told 1 NEWS this afternoon following the senator's comments they have reached out to Mr Wakai about his concerns.
"We have shared some exciting insights and opportunities in progress regarding local and global support. These discussions are ongoing," Atiga said in a statement.
"As with all commercial and non-commercial partnership, sponsorship and supplier discussions; there are many people involved on different levels. These talking points can involve commercially sensitive areas for all parties concerned.
"We have reached out to Senator Wakai, and have thanked him for his interest in seeing Kanoloa succeed."
Atiga said the franchise was "grateful" for Mr Wakai's comments and he has since responded to their attempts to contact him.
"We embrace Senator Waikai’s request to 'join our scrum' and look forward to working together."
Atiga added Mr Wakai's previous concerns stemmed from "misconceptions" from media.
"We back the statements we have shared publically," she said.
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