HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association will officially name its swimming and diving state championships after the late U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai during a dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.

The event will be held at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex on the lower campus of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. The program will start at 2 p.m., with the trials of the state swim meet to follow at 2:30.

Among those scheduled to attend the dedication are Gov. David Ige, UH President David Lassner and athletic director David Matlin, and State House Representatives Della Au-Bellati, Aaron Johanson, Sylvia Luke, Scott Nishimoto and Scott Saiki, as well as members of the Takai family.

Takai was a four-time high school swimming state champion, two-time National High School All-American in the 100-yard breaststroke, and a 1985 inductee into the prestigious Hawai‘i High School Hall of Honor. He also was student body president at Pearl City High School, and editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.

"Mark is a perfect example of what the HHSAA hopes its student-athletes go on to achieve through lessons learned in education-based athletics," said HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun. "When I first got this job, Mark took the time to personally reach out and mentor me.  He always made time for me and the HHSAA even as his leadership roles and time demands increased.  I am forever indebted to Mark for his graciousness toward me and genuine care for all of Hawaii's student-athletes."

Takai continued his exemplary career as a student-athlete at the University of Hawai‘i, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a masters degree in Public Health. He also competed on the Rainbows' swimming and diving team, and served as editor-in-chief of Ka Leo O Hawai‘i and president of the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i.

"Honoring Mark in this way will help to keep his name, spirit and legacy alive in those of us who worked alongside him and got to know him as a friend, as well as those who admired him from afar," said HHSAA dedication committee member Wes Nakama. "It will also help future student-athletes learn about and appreciate Mark's many great achievements and contributions as a scholar-athlete and campus/community leader."

U.S. Rep. Takai died July 20, 2016, nine months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 49.