The former Big Island Mayor, the late Billy Kenoi, served as a chain crew member during the 2013 Pop Warner football semifinals at Hualani Park in Keaukaha, leaving an indelible mark of humor on the game. In a pivotal moment during Panaewa Alii’s triumph over the Westside Eagles in the fourth quarter, Kenoi’s son, Justin Kenoi, intercepted the ball around the 5-yard line and dashed towards the end zone.
During the excitement, Mayor Kenoi, filled with pride at his son’s interception, dropped his down marker and enthusiastically joined Justin in the sprint toward the end zone.
The outcome? Justin’s remarkable 90-plus yard return touchdown and an unexpected penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct against Mayor Kenoi. Both father and son contributed to the memorable play in different ways.
Although Justin Kenoi and his Panaewa Ali’i teammates clinched the Big Island Pop Warner championship, their journey ended in the Pop Warner Super Bowl with a 33-22 loss to the Southside Cyclones of New York. Mayor Billy Kenoi, who had traveled with the team to Kissimmee, Fla., was there to cheer them on, opting not to participate in the chain gang on this occasion.
Kenoi passed away three years ago. His celebration of life was postponed due to the pandemic, and was finally held last week.