Hastings Judd Kauwela “Pal” Eldredge ’64

The Punahou Alumni Association presented Hastings Judd Kauwela “Pal” Eldredge with its highest honor, the “O” in Life Award, on May 16, 2013, at a luncheon on the Punahou School campus. PAA President Bonnie Pang presented Eldredge with the award, which has been given annually since 1954 to an alumnus or alumnae who exemplifies the ideals of service to Punahou School and the Hawai‘i community. Recent awardees include Bob Akinaka, Judy Sheehan Dawson and Warren K.K. Luke.

Co-nominator and close friend Michael Moss highlighted Eldredge’s lifelong commitment to others. “Pal’s been blessed with a very giving heart. For his family, his friends, his students, his players, his music, his Hawaiian culture, his community, Pal is all in,” Moss said. “He’s dedicated his adult life in service to Punahou and the community … and improved the lives of so many others.”

Eldredge, the youngest son of Hawai‘i baseball pioneer David “Pop” Eldredge II, has carried on his family’s tradition of promoting education and athletics. He taught grades 3 – 5 at Punahou from 1970 – 2007 and coached football, basketball and baseball. He also served as Punahou head coach for baseball for 25 years, leading the Buff ’n Blue to ILH titles in 1986 and 1994, and to the 1989 state title. Local sports fans know him as “Mr. Baseball,” the pithy color analyst for University of Hawai‘i baseball and softball, and a longtime youth league baseball coach.

Eldredge graduated from Punahou School in 1964 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and his master’s in education from the University of Hawai‘i – Manoa. While retired from teaching, Eldredge remains an active volunteer at Punahou. He serves as the music director for May Day and Holoku, contributes to many performances and activities, and helps with the School’s annual Alumni Reunion and Lu‘au as a member of the Imu Emeritus Gang.

The PAA also announced its other award recipients, who will be recognized at an upcoming ceremony in June.