MHS Senior Wins District Rodeo Championship

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter 

Molokai High senior Kahiwa Augustiro was named district champion by the Hawaii High School Rodeo Association. At the Maui District Finals, which took place April 1 and 2 on Maui, Augustiro took home victories in multiple events including steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. He also came away with the award for best all-around cowboy. 

Bull riding is Augustiro’s favorite event. 

“Riding bulls is all in your head,” explained Augustiro. “You’re supposed to know what you’re doing already.” 

When he’s on the bull, all Augustiro thinks about “is just making that eight second ride.” 

While there is no rodeo team at MHS, Augustiro travels with his younger brother Buzz and cousin Baby together to compete at events off-island. 

Augustiro has already received a full ride scholarship to Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska where he will continue pursuing rodeo, specifically focusing on team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding. His goal is to make it to the professional rodeo circuit. Currently, Augustiro is preparing for the state tournament, which will take place in early June. A top-three finish in an event at the state tournament will qualify him for the national tournament later this summer.