Blog

By: Sean Aukanai’i Fong

Moanalua High School recently completed a transformative renovation of its football field, choosing Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) as the playing surface. This pivotal decision marked a turning point for the school, emphasizing the advantages of natural grass over synthetic alternatives. The renovation aimed to enhance playing conditions while prioritizing the safety and enjoyment of student-athletes and performers, including the state’s largest high school marching band.

Leadership and Vision

Figure 1. Physical Education (PE) classes held on natural fields provide numerous benefits that contribute to students' physical, mental, and social well-being.

The project was spearheaded by Principal Robin Martin and Athletic Director Joel Kawachi, whose leadership underscored a commitment to student safety and well-being. By investing in a top-tier natural grass field, they prioritized both health and performance, recognizing the transformative role of sports and extracurricular activities in students’ lives. Their dedication resulted in a state-of-the-art athletic environment, setting a new standard for high school sports facilities in Hawaii.

Benefits of Tahoma 31 Bermuda Grass 

Figure 2. Hawaiian Turfgrass Company executed the installation, aiming to provide a safer and more resilient playing surface for students.

One of the primary reasons for selecting Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass was its superior playability. Unlike synthetic turf, natural grass provides a softer, more forgiving surface, reducing the risk of injuries from hard landings or sudden stops. Additionally, Tahoma 31’s resilience and ability to withstand heavy use made it an excellent choice for a high-traffic field. This variety’s adaptability to Hawaii’s warm climate ensured the field remained lush and vibrant year-round, meeting the high standards of a school that values both performance and aesthetics.

Natural grass also offers significant health benefits. Players no longer had to contend with the abrasions and heat-related challenges commonly associated with artificial turf. The cooler surface temperatures of the grass field created a safer and more comfortable environment for athletes and spectators alike.

Drawing Inspiration from Hawaii's Golf Courses

Hawaii is renowned for its world-class golf courses, celebrated for their meticulously maintained natural grass surfaces. This standard of excellence served as an inspiration for Moanalua High School’s renovation. The leadership team envisioned a football field that mirrored the pristine quality of these greens, proving that with proper care and investment, schools could achieve similar results. This vision became a reality as the renovated field met and exceeded expectations, providing a safe, level, and weed-free environment for all users.

The Renovation Process: Soil Testing and Amendments

Figure 3. Tilling sulfur amendments into soil is an effective way to lower soil pH, making it more acidic and improving nutrient availability for certain plants.

The renovation began with comprehensive soil testing and analysis. Initial tests revealed a soil pH of 7.5, which is slightly above the optimal range for sports fields. To address this, sulfur was added as an amendment, successfully lowering the pH to 7.0. This adjustment improved nutrient availability, fostering healthier growth and a more robust playing surface.

Laser Grading and Field Leveling

Figure 4. A dual-slope laser grader integrates a laser system and grading attachment to achieve precise leveling with adjustable slopes in two directions (X-axis and Y-axis).

Laser leveling technology was employed to correct the field’s camelback unevenness, ensuring a level surface that minimized injury risks. The dual-slope precision of the laser grading process created an ideal foundation for the Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass, combining visual appeal with practical functionality.

Planting and Establishment

Figure 5. Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass is a top-choice turfgrass, especially for sports fields, golf courses, and lawns, due to its durability, fine texture, and drought resistance. Using big rolls of sod for planting provides a fast and efficient way to establish a high-quality field.

Figure 6. Harvesting big roll sod at Hawaiian Turfgrass in Mililani ensures high-quality turf, using precision equipment to deliver durable, fresh-cut Tahoma 31 for fields and landscapes.

In late July, large rolls of Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass sod were installed, ensuring efficient and uniform coverage. Remarkably, the field was ready for use by the start of the football season in September. This rapid turnaround highlighted the grass variety’s exceptional establishment rate and resilience.

During the establishment phase, careful attention was paid to watering schedules and initial fertilization. Adequate hydration promoted deep root growth while balanced fertilizers provided essential nutrients. These foundational practices ensured the grass thrived, creating a durable and visually stunning field.

Maintenance and Sustainability

Figure 7. Core aeration is a critical cultural practice for maintaining healthy turfgrass and improving soil health.

Figure 8. ​Soil tine aeration at Moanalua Field can play a crucial role in maintaining the health and performance of the turf.

The maintenance program for the new field emphasized a return to basic principles. Weekly mowing with a fairway reel mower, precise watering schedules, and twice-a-month fertilization formed the cornerstone of the plan. These practices were complemented by cultural techniques, including core aeration and deep tine aeration, which alleviated soil compaction and improved water infiltration. Topdressing with sand further enhanced drainage and ensured a smooth playing surface.

By implementing these measures, the school ensured the field’s long-term health and usability. The maintenance program demonstrated that natural grass fields could be both cost-effective and sustainable, aligning with modern environmental standards.

Safety and Playability

Figure 9. Natural grass fields offer a safe and comfortable playing surface for children, student-athletes, and other users when properly installed and maintained.

Safety was a central focus of the renovation. Uneven surfaces and weed infestations, which posed significant risks to athletes, were eliminated through comprehensive weed management and regular topdressing. The resulting smooth and uniform surface minimized hazards, enhancing the playing experience for students and performers alike.

The choice of natural grass also provided environmental benefits. Unlike synthetic turf, which retains heat and requires artificial cooling methods, natural grass remained cooler under direct sunlight. Additionally, the grass contributes to carbon sequestration, air purification, and groundwater recharge, aligning with the school’s commitment to sustainability.

Community Impact and Education

The renovated field quickly became a source of pride for the Moanalua High School community. It provided a space where athletes could refine their skills, band members could practice and perform, and the school could host events in a safe and supportive environment. The project also inspired other schools in the region, setting a precedent for the benefits of investing in natural grass fields.