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Kapolei Inline Hockey Arena’s daily inhabitants have a lot to live up to - at least when it comes to their immediate surroundings. If one doesn’t watch closely on the drive, it isn’t difficult to pass them by, existing as they do amid industrial buildings on Opakapaka Street. But that would be a mistake - this is a place to visit.

Once inside the state-ofthe-art facility, which was built by KIHA founder Richard Pentecost, it’s easy to understand why inline hockey may be the next “in” sport in Hawaii. If it does-n’t see its interest multiply, it won’t be from lack of resources, as KIHA offers hockey fans every possible perk, most notably the sheer comfort of playing the game in an indoor, temperature-controlled rink. The ongoing activities are both fan and player friendly.

Inline hockey is not new to Hawaii, but with the addition of KIHA to the scene it is as good as new.

“The sport itself, here on the Island, was dying,” said Jason Domitrovic, KIHA’s hockey director and pro. “The kids love to play - it just wasn’t what they saw on TV. It started on tennis courts. Here, they didn’t have that (inside rinks). The new arenas are going to bring in new people and keep people playing the sport.”

Domitrovic is a veteran of hockey, roller hockey and inline hockey, and he lived in many places before being hired by Pentecost. He took some time away from his duties last week to visit with MidWeek’s West Oahu Islander and answer some questions.

Did you envision holding a hockey-related job in the Pacific? I always had a dream of building out in Hawaii. (Interest in) hockey has gone further west ever since (it began), so why stop at California? Why not go all the way to Hawaii? I think it can be played anywhere.

How has the first month gone? We haven’t had an official opening yet, but word is getting around the island. We haven’t done any outside advertising. It has been one guy to another. A lot have said the facility is unbelievable - and air conditioned.

What has been the most exciting aspect of opening the new facility? Just seeing kids and adults - especially some of the adults - being able to play indoors and train and practice like teams on the Mainland. They’ve been playing outside under the sun and in the rain for years, and they are in awe (of the new building).

What influenced you to make Hawaii a second home and take on this assignment here? This was an undeveloped place as far as taking hockey to a new level. I moved here from Bend, Oregon, where I still have a home. The dream is to be able to build another one (inline facility) in Bend.

If you’re selling a kid on trying inline hockey, what do you tell him or her? No. 1: It’s fun and it is fast. Inline hockey involves aspects of any other sport you can imagine. It teaches teamwork and individual skill. You can do it at up to 30 miles per hour, and you can stop on a dime. And having a clean and safe place to play is important. Hopefully, parents see that, too.

What is one of the ways KIHA encourages kids to take up inline hockey? We’re buying brand-new gear - helmets, skates, gloves, goalie equipment - that they can borrow to try it and see if they like it. We just want kids and adults to come out and try it.

How did you find your way to inline hockey? Were you an ice hockey player first? I grew up playing on the ponds in Pennsylvania. I also had one of the first pairs of inline skates. It took off from there.

What’s the best item at the concession stand? Spam musubi. Chili and rice is also huge here.

With one of the finest facilities in the country, can we expect a national championship-level team to come out of the area someday? The sport can’t be denied here. It’s going to grow and prosper. No one thought ice hockey teams from California would be winning at the national level, so why shouldn’t we think it can’t be big in Hawaii.