Hilo’s Isaiah Kanno started off his title defense at the Hawaii State Junior Golf Association with a 3-under 69 on Tuesday, leaving him one stroke back at Hokulia.
Honolulu’s Kolbe Irei held the lead heading into Wednesday’s final round. Waikoloa’s Ethan Jaehn was in a two-way tie for third at 74, with Keaau’s Dillon Ah Chong another two shots back in the boys 15-18 flight.
In the girls competition, Hilo’s Lacey Uchida was in a two-way tie for third at 76, five shots off the lead.
Honolulu’s Joshua Chung fired a 68 to take a commanding seven-stroke advantage in boys 13-14. Hilo’s Noah Otani was at 78.
Kanno, a Waiakea senior who beat Hilo’s Pono Yanagi in a playoff last year, played bogey-free, making birdies on the par-5 No. 9, and two par-4 holes, 10 and 18.