In 2008, a handful of tenacious skaters formed Pacific Roller Derby, Oahu’s first modern-day roller derby league. In the 1960s, roller derby bouts were a popular pastime on the banked track inside the now-demolished Honolulu Civic Auditorium on South King Street. But it was a different sport; the moves choreographed, the game staged. Pacific wanted to legitimize roller derby in the Islands as the sport was undergoing an evolution across the nation: leagues were skating on flat tracks, official game play was forming and skaters were being seen as athletes, not entertainers.

 

They taught themselves how to skate, learned the rules of the game and practiced on any available basketball court they could. In 2009, Pacific became Hawaii’s first member league of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, a nonprofit organization that fosters roller derby around the globe.

 

Today, the league has grown to more than 25 active skaters, not including its referees and non-skating officials, who are integral to running successful bouts. Its members are diverse, from teachers, writers, students, firefighters, nurses and active-duty military to mothers, caretakers and wives.

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Pacific Roller Derby's charter team, the Hulagans, participate in WFTDA-ranked tournaments every year, specifically Battle of the Islands and Big Island Brawl. Battle of the Islands is hosted by a different island each year. Oahu had the honor of hosting the Battle of the Islands in 2019, at Mililani 10 Acres Park. This is also where they hold their monthly games. Games are family friendly, and free to all. Special track side splash seating is available by donation. 

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While Pacific Roller Derby has grown since its inception, it remains rooted to the community, holding regular joint fundraising events. Stay updated with all the action by following PRD on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

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