UH is creating a war chant to replace the haka

About retiring the haka and creating a war chant for the Warriors, Guyton Galdeira said:
"We have great respect for the Maori culture. But we wanted something that represented us. We're from Hawai'i. We're Hawai'i Warriors." (HA)

HA Note: "Galdeira, linebacker Brad Kalilimoku and defensive tackle Keala Watson were put in charge of creating the chant and dance form. Galdeira and Kalilimoku have training in hula, and all three players studied the Hawaiian language. Watson said several teammates made suggestions. They also consulted with several Hawaiian language instructors. While the focus will be on Hawaiian, the calling will incorporate traits from other Polynesian cultures."


About their war chant, Watson said:
"We took ideas from everybody and combined it into one. We tried to make something that would be unique to us." (HA)

We want to keep the words simple." (HA)


Hoping to have the chant completed by tomorrow night, Kalilimoku said:
"We want to make sure we choose the right words." (HA)


Timo Paepule said that the dance form is basically finalized, and described their war chant like that:
"It's not a haka. Haka is a Maori term. Let's say it's a war chant, a calling. It's coming from the team. We're not trying to single out a culture. It's coming from the Warriors." (HA)


About the war chant replacing the haka, Colt said:
"It's a new year, a new team. Why not?" (HA)


About their war chant, Rustin Saole said:
"When people see it, they'll know this is strictly Hawai'i. This is the University of Hawai'i." (HA)