HONOLULU – David Kawada, an experienced leader with non-profit organizations, has been hired as President of 'Ahahui Koa Ānuenue and Executive Director of the Nā Koa Football Club, Athletics Director David Matlin announced on behalf of the Boards of Directors.
 
Kawada replaces Kim Fujiuchi, who served in the dual role for the past six years and as Nā Koa Executive Director for 11 years. He begins his position on June 27. 'Ahahui Koa Ānuenue is the official fundraising arm of UH Athletics and the Nā Koa Football Club is the official booster club of the Rainbow Warriors football team.
 
"We're excited that David will be leading our fundraising efforts," Matlin said. "His experience with non-profits make him an ideal fit for our department and is someone we believe can jump start our football fundraising with new head coach Timmy Chang. David is a familiar face for many of our coaches and staff with his involvement with ESPN Honolulu and we're thrilled to have him a part of our team."
 
Kawada was the radio voice of Rainbow Wahine basketball as play-by-play announcer since 2010. He also announced high school sports in addition to hosting various shows on ESPN Honolulu including "In Focus with Dave Kawada" and "The Brotherhood: Pride, Tradition, & Excellence."
 
"It is truly an honor to be able to work with the great people that serve on the Boards of 'Ahahui Koa Ānuenue and Nā Koa," Kawada said. "University of Hawai'i Athletics is truly a pillar of pride and unity for all of us in this state. My goal is to continue to support the efforts to keep our Athletics Department and University thriving and moving forward. Thank you to David Matlin, AKA incoming Chairperson Sean Sugai, and Nā Koa President Claire Tong, for this great opportunity."
 
Most recently, Kawada was the director for the Kroc Center Hawai'i, where he oversaw the daily operations of the multi-functional community center in west O'ahu with a staff of 225 employees and nearly $10 million operating budget.
 
He is the owner of Kawada Productions, whose clients include Chaminade University Athletics and Hawai'i Pacific University Athletics, among others, which provides media content such as live radio game broadcasts, podcasts, and short video production.
 
In addition, Kawada's other experience with non-profit organizations includes Pālama Settlement as recreation division director from 2011-18 and Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawai'i as program director from 1996-2001. He also worked as the youth activities director for the Marines Corps Community Services Hawai'i from 2001-05.
 
Kawada is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in humanities in 1990. He and his wife, Janet, have two sons, Jaren and Zachary.