The Nanakuli Hawks Pee Wee football team, ages 9 to 12, leaves today to compete in the National Pop Warner Championships in Orlando, Fla.

The Hawks earned the right by defeating the Manoa Paniolos, 15-6, in the Mele Kalikimaka Bowl Nov. 20 at Aloha Stadium.

In Orlando, the team will play at least two games, starting Sunday.

Divisions in Hawai'i Pop Warner alternate attending the nationals. Last year, the midgets (11-14) attended. Weight limits in Pee Wee are between 75 and 115 pounds.

Nanakuli's record is 10-0-1, including playoff victories over the Kane'ohe Knights, 8-6, and the Koolauloa Red Raiders, 36-12.

The team began fund-raising after its victory. It has received enough donations from area businesses to help cover the airfare for all 28 players.

"For each individual child, it'll be a lifetime experience because some of them might not get this chance again," said coach George Woolsey IV.

"I just hope they enjoy this experience and find out there are other things in the world. If they do decide to go out, don't be scared. Some are real scared of going. Some have never been off this rock. I tell parents, 'Don't let your son miss out on this.' "

The team is still accepting donations. For information, call Linda Woolsey, 696-7624, or 225-2781.

AULEA SWIMMERS TAKE ON 'AU'AU CHANNEL

Eight swimmers from the Aulea Swim team completed an 8.9-mile swim in the 'Au'au channel between Lana'i and Maui in about five hours on Nov. 25.

The team members were Aaron Schmaltz, 14; Sean Schmaltz, 12; Jorge Gago, 16; Michelle Vawer, 15; Kaylen Baker, 15; Rachel Randall, 13; Elise Baker, 14 and Terry Richmond, 14. They were accompanied by Mark Baker, 49, and Tommy Randall, 44.