HONOLULU – Three of the eight finalists for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 either once played or coached for the University of Hawai'i.
 
For the second consecutive year, former player and coach Tommy Kaulukukui, former player Vince Manuwai, and former player Harry Montague-Field were named finalists.
 
Three inductees will be announced on November 4, 2021.
 
The finalists were selected from a field of over 100 nominations by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. The Selection Committee and all living Polynesian Hall of Fame Inductees will vote in the coming weeks to select the individuals who will be inducted as the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022. 
 
Kaulukukui was the first UH athlete ever to earn All-America recognition as a football player in the 1930s. Dubbed "Grass Shack" by the great sportswriter Grantland Rice, his 103-yard kickoff return against UCLA in 1935 is still a school record. In six seasons as head coach, Kaulukukui led UH to a 34-18-3 record. For his accomplishments, he was chosen as a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame Association and his number 32 jersey is retired from the football program.
 
Manuwai was a first-team All-American by CNN/SI and CBS Sports in 2002. A three-year starter at right guard, he did not allow a sack throughout his career. Following his UH career, the Farrington High School product was picked in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft and started 105 of 111 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He died in 2018 at the age of 38.
 
Montague-Field was one of the state's great athletes in the late 1920s and early '30s. After a standout prep career at Punahou School, he spent one season with UH in 1930 before transferring to Oregon State.
 
Since 2014, a total of six former Rainbow Warriors have been selected into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, including Class of 2021 inductees Al Noga and Niko Noga. Other inductees include Ken Niumatalolo, Jesse Sapolu, Ma'a Tanuvasa, and Mark Tuinei.
 
CLASS OF 2022 FINALISTS
 

• Tony Banks (QB) Michigan State; Pro NFL (STL, BAL, DAL, WAS, HOU) 10 years, Samoan ancestry
• Malcom Floyd (WR) Wyoming; Pro NFL (SAN) 10 years, Samoan ancestry
• Mike Iupati (OL) Idaho; Pro NFL (SFO, ARI, SEA) 11 years, Samoan ancestry
• Tommy Kaulukuki (Coach) Hawai'i; 6 years, Hawaiian ancestry
• Chris Kemoeatu (G) Utah; Pro NFL (PIT) 7 years, Tongan ancestry
• Vince Manuwai (G) Hawai'i; Pro NFL (JAC, ATL) 9 years, Hawaiian ancestry
• Harry Montague-Field (OL) Hawai'i, Oregon State; Pro NFL (CHI) AFL (LA) 4 years, Hawaiian ancestry
• Kalani Sitake (Coach) BYU; 6 years, Tongan ancestry

 
About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia's greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org
 
About the Polynesian Bowl: The Polynesian Bowl is held annually during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week and is televised LIVE on CBS Sports Network. Major sponsors include adidas, BodyArmor, CrossCountry Mortgage, Friends of Hawai'i Charities, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council, Hawai'i News Now, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel and Riddell. www.PolynesianBowl.com