Don’t let go of ‘Bows,’ supporters of UH nickname plead at rally

About 60 people rallied near Bachman Hall at the Universty of Hawaii at Manoa Friday afternoon in hopes of convincing Athletic Director Ben Jay to keep the “Rainbows” nickname for men’s sports.

Fans, young and old, held signs touting the Rainbow name, but their pleas are not expected to fall on sympathic ears.

Jay, who was out of town Friday, wrote a letter to “Rally 4 Rainbows” organizer Steve Chinen thanking him for his “feedback and passion,” but reiterating that the change will take place on July 1.

In February, Jay announced that the school would officially begin calling all its men’s teams ‘Warriors” on July 1, while all the women’s teams will remain the “Rainbow Wahine.”

Currently, various men’s teams go by “Warriors,” “Rainbow Warriors” and “Rainbows.” Jay said the change is for branding purposes and to avoid confusion.

The UH Letterwinners Club sent Jay a letter on Wednesday also urging the athletic director not to make the change.