In its 48-year history, Ahahui Koa Anuenue has had its loyal supporters, but new fiscal realities are compelling the athletics fundraising organization to broaden its reach.

Jonathan Kobayashi, AKA president, said its new initiatives are geared to broaden the perks for sports fans and draw others into a closer connection with University of Hawaii sports.

There will be more concerts and other community uses of sports facilities to accomplish that, but Kobayashi also believes putting student athletes front and center — an approach called "Kokua AKA" — will find willing supporters in new corners of the community.

Here are the main points of the plan:

» Season-ticket holders and donors are being wooed by the "H Club Athletic Fund." This will offer a range of benefits for specific support levels, from $50 to $21,000 and up, folding together ticket purchases with donations to set the level.

» "Apples for Athletes" is aimed at funding the $375,000 annual cost of a supplemental meal program for athletes.

» "Coaches’ Choice" will draw targeted donations of $10 or more for smaller needs specified by coaches of 21 UH teams, as well as help underwrite the training, weight and equipment rooms.

Kobayashi hopes to make the link in the minds of prospective donors between their gift and the development of student athletes, many of whom end up as supporters themselves.

One example he likes is that of Eric Hannum, the former football player whose scholarship ultimately led to a career as president of InVision, an outpatient MRI facility.

Hannum now returns the favor, through six-figure donations, Kobayashi said. Details — and other student success stories — can be read on another element of the AKA makeover: its new website, www.koaanuenue.org.