University of Hawaii is asking the community to donate to its Manoa sports programs this week, a push that matters more now that paying athletes is part of college sports.

• Donations this week go to two funds: one for team needs like food and travel, the other for scholarships and name-image-likeness payments to athletes.
• Manoa teams are coming off a strong year with multiple conference titles and a national championship, and athletes carry a combined GPA above 3.3.
• The pitch is that gifts of any size count, and that winning teams lift the whole state's mood.
• Paying college athletes is now the norm, so Hawaii needs steady outside money to stay competitive in its conferences.
• A separate university-wide giving day covering academics and every campus is set for April.

Outlook: The athletics drive runs through this week, with the broader campus giving day following in the spring.