Branden Kawazoe Named New Head Coach for Iolani Girls Basketball

Branden Kawazoe has been officially appointed as the new head coach for the Iolani School girls basketball team, succeeding the legendary Dean Young. The announcement comes after Young's sudden departure and the retirement of athletic director Wendell Look. Kawazoe, a 42-year-old former Kaiser High School head coach and longtime Iolani boys basketball assistant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to honoring the program's legacy while introducing his own perspective. He aims to maintain the Raiders' standard of excellence and build trust with the returning players. A significant boost for the team is the expected return of three-time All-State guard Justice Kekauoha, who had been rumored to transfer. With defending state champion Kamehameha losing key players, the path to the 2026-27 title appears open. Kawazoe plans to continue his role as a school counselor at Kaiser, noting that the position complements his coaching philosophy. His hiring marks a new chapter for the historic program as it navigates a dynamic transitional period.