ANAHEIM, Calif. » The kukui nut lei was a dead giveaway.
No, it was not around the neck of Hawaii’s Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota at Disneyland on Saturday.
But it did go pretty well with Richard Chinen‘s red blazer.
Chinen, originally from Kaneohe, is president and chairman of the board of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
"When I met Marcus he told me he wouldn’t hold it against me that I went to Punahou," said Chinen, who is also a University of Hawaii graduate.
After UH, he got a degree from the Southwestern University School of Law. He has lived in Southern California since, and has been associated with the Tournament of Roses since 1988.
"Since I lived in Pasadena and loved college football I decided why not. It’s one way of getting a ticket for the game," Chinen said.
President is a one-year post, with duties that include acting as an ambassador for the Rose Bowl game, parade and other Tournament of Roses events.
Hairy situation
Mariota’s appearance was different than usual Saturday at Disneyland because he hadn’t shaved for nearly a week. He said he isn’t making a fashion statement or changing his look permanently.
"Just been lazy," he said. Mariota took a break that included a quick visit home to Hawaii after a whirlwind tour on the college football awards circuit culminating with winning the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 13.
Mutual admiration
The two most recent Heisman winners — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and Mariota —shared the stage at Disneyland on Saturday. They met each other last summer at the Manning Passing Academy.
Both said they enjoyed the other’s company.
"He’s an all-around great person," Winston said. "He’s a class act and a wonderful person."
Mariota said he enjoys Winston’s sense of humor.
"He’s a great guy, a funny guy. It’s great to be around him."
