In Kahuku, a well-loved mascot is phased out following complaints it’s disrespectful

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Kahuku High and Intermediate School’s mascot will no longer be the Red Raiders.

School Principal Donna Lindsey announced the news in a letter released late last week and says the change is being made after the school received complaints that the Red Raiders nickname and tomahawk chop are “disrespectful and potentially discriminatory toward Native Americans.”

Former Kahuku head football Coach Reggie Torres said he was surprised by the decision.

[Read more: Kahuku’s ‘Red Raider’ mascot soon to be a thing of the past]

“As a coach for many years, all the kids that came through our program, they wanted to feel that experience of the 12th man on the field, seeing the crazy crowd with the chops and the noise and the cheers and the support,” said Torres, who led the football program to three state championships.

But the change comes as other likenesses considered offensive have been discontinued.

Earlier this year, the National Football League’s Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Football Team.

And Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians no longer use their Chief Wahoo logo.

Isaac Silva, who graduated from Kahuku High in 2001, said he’s sad to see the mascot go.

“To be honest with you, if I was a Native American looking from the outside in and seeing what we do as a community, I would be proud,” he said.

Silva, who lives in Kahuku, also said many in community opposed the change.

“I think if they did it to a point where they opened it up to the community to hear suggestions, concerns or any kind of feedback, I think that would have been the best route to take,” Silva said.

“Then maybe have somebody there that can give us a better understanding of why they moving forward with the mascot change.”

Despite the change, Silva still plans on following past traditions.

Kahuku administration says it will work with a neutral third party and stakeholders from the community to help come up with a new mascot.

Hawaii News Now requested an interview with Lindsey for more information on her decision, but did not receive a response.

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