Waipio field setbacks force Rainbow Wahine soccer to open season on campus

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s fall sports season begins in one week.

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The Rainbow Wahine soccer team kicks off its season on campus instead of at the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex.

UH announced Thursday that the Rainbow Wahine will play their first seven matches on campus in Manoa due to ongoing field issues at the Waipio stadium.

“It’s hard to not be out there because we understand we have a huge fan base on the west side, but we’re eventually going to be playing on campus. It’s just something that will be happening a little sooner than expected,” said UH head coach Michele Nagamine.

The city reported setbacks in preparing the field for the start of the season, like poor weather conditions, irrigation leaks, and electrical issues.

“We all know that with beautiful, hot tropical weather, sometimes the elements get in the way of being able to maintain an outdoor facility at the level that you want to,” said Nagamine.

School officials said the move is temporary, with the goal of returning to Waipio in October for the start of Mountain West Conference play.

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Until then, UH is making necessary changes, like installing temporary bleachers so that games can be played on campus.

“We keep telling them, sometimes life throws you curve balls, you gotta still hit them out of the park,” said Nagamine.

In a statement, the city said it remains committed to continuing maintenance efforts, improving the facilities, and working with UH partners to host the team in October.

“This is just another bump in the road for our players. They’re like ‘Oh, we’re playing on campus, cool!’” said Nagamine. “They are not gonna sweat the big things. They are not gonna sweat the little things.”

The ‘Bows open their season against Texas Tech Thursday, Aug. 13.

Coverage of UH sports on K5 officially begins in 10 days as Hawaii News Now televises the Rainbow Wahine soccer game against Kansas State on Sunday, Aug. 16.

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Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. with a pregame show.