The University of Hawaii is asking residents and businesses to donate to its athletics program during homecoming and Giving Week, framed as an investment in the state rather than charity.

• Athletics director Matt Elliot is pushing donations as a way to keep student athletes in Hawaii and help them graduate.
• The money is not for million-dollar contracts — it is meant to retain current players and compete at a higher level.
• The pitch leans on economic impact, arguing a strong program acts as advertising for the university and the state.
• The campaign uses a "Hawaii's team" message, with donations collected through the athletics department website.

Outlook: Expect the fundraising push to run through homecoming week, with results shaping how much the program can spend on keeping players.