Native Hawaiians Not Entirely Pleased With Surfing Making Olympic Debut

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Surfing officially makes its debut as an Olympic sport later this month. For Native Hawaiians, it's bittersweet. 

Pro surfer Tony Moniz, who now teaches surfing in Waikiki, tells KITV it's a dream come true, for him, and the likes of past legends. But, he also feels the sport has become too commercialized by companies and the media, causing it to lose touch with its roots in Hawaii. 

Brian Keaulana, who has been training lifeguards for the Olympics, says no Native Hawaiian groups have been consulted for input about ceremonies at the Olympics. 

He's also angry that the Olympics won't allow surfers from Hawaii to compete under their flag as they do in regular competitions. 


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