With more than 50 years as a high school sports official, Lloyd Hisaka is one of 11 people being inducted into theNational High School Hall of Fame by the National Federation of High School Associations. Courtesy photo

On Thursday, Hawai’i high school sports official Lloyd Hisaka joined an elite group as the National Federation of High School Associations revealed its 2025 National High School Hall of Fame Class.

According to the organization, Hisaka was among 11 individuals selected nationwide for the National High School Hall of Fame, which stands as one of the highest honors an individual associated with high school sports can receive.

Hisaka’s impact on the officiating landscape in Hawai’i began in 1970 when he became assistant director of the Student Recreation Services at the University of Hawai’i. During his 37 years in that role, followed by the final eight years as director, he trained thousands of students in officiating. He also created classes at the university to train and educate officials.

Hisaka began officiating high school basketball and football in 1973 and officiated high school basketball for 36 years. Hisaka continued on with football officiating another 15 years and worked his final game on Nov. 8 at the age of 81.

In addition to his 51 years as a high school football official, he has trained thousands of students in officiating intramural sports – many of whom have continued officiating careers in high school leagues in Hawaii and nationwide.

Hisaka served as football and basketball rules clinician for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, the Maui Interscholastic League and the Kauai Interscholastic Federation for seven years. He also founded the Hawaii Football Officials Clinic, which ran for six years, and he officiated in the Hula Bowl and taught a “Techniques of Officiating” class to senior physical education majors for 12 years.

However, his retirement only applies to the fields and courts. He continues to serve as an observer and evaluator for high school football and basketball, which includes assisting the HHSAA with its inaugural girls flag football season.

He also will continue serving as a Mountain West Conference sideline assistant for replay during University of Hawaii football games.

Among his awards, Hisaka was selected the NFHS Officials Association Hawaii Football Official of the Year in 1999 and the 2002 Big Island Interscholastic Federation Citation Award for football in 2002. In 2023, he was inducted into the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame in recognition of his officiating career in football and basketball.

“Beyond all of his accomplishments on the basketball court and football field, Dr. Hisaka is just a really nice person who is easy to relate to and approach,” said Brent Mizutani, retired executive director of the Kauai Interscholastic Federation, in a statement.

“These qualities make him a very valuable role model to the group of officials and coaches when he demonstrates the ultimate example of professionalism and humility. He is admired by all of the officials he works with and is greatly appreciated by coaches and players when has officiated their games,” Mizutani said.