Overview:

  • The Hawaii State Chess Champion is National Master Paul Iinuma.
  • All unrated Chess players, and players rated under 1500 USCF, are invited to play NM Iinuma.
  • On Friday, April 12th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm Iinuma will play up to 30 people simultaneously
  • Each board will have a clock allowing NM Iinuma and each opponent 45 minutes for the game
  • HCF Secretary Anthony Miranda will moderate the event..The location is the State Capitol building, conference room 430.

Registration:

  • Please register here for the event and then arrive at the Capitol building by 4:45
  • Players will be invited into the room in the order that they registered on this list.
  • Seats around the edges of the room are where players sit, in front of a chess board, playing the black pieces.
  • Players who arrive after 5:00pm may still be admitted to the room, but clocks will have reduced time.

Rules of Play:

  • Players are invited but not required to write down the moves of the game.
  • After finishing a move, players press their clock firmly, making an audible click.
  • If requested by NM Iinuma, players will show him the last move they made.
  • Players may not consult with each other or with any electronic device.
  • Cell phones must be turned off during the exhibition..  

Entry Fee and Prizes:

  • There is no entry fee for this event.  It is a public service by NM Iinuma and the Hawaii Chess Federation.
  • Anyone who draws their game with NM Iinuma wins a free entry fee (worth $25) to an HCF-sponsored monthly tournament.
  • Anyone who wins their game with NM Iinuma earns a medal and a free entry to an HCF-sponsored monthly tournament.
  • The Hawaii Open and the World Chess Festival events are not considered monthly tournaments.

About NM Paul Iinuma:

For many years Paul has been one of the strongest chess tournament players in Hawaii.

  • 2-time state champion (2016, 2023). 
  • 3-time state Rapid Chess Champion (2004, 2005, 2018).
  • 7-time state Blitz Chess Champion (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2021, 2023)
  • 3-time state Scholastic K-12 champion and Denker tournament representative for Hawaii (2000, 2002, 2003).
  • 1st place u2200 at North American Open (2006)
  • 1st place u2300 at National Open Tournament (2021)
  • 3rd place in the U.S. Open Blitz tournament (2003).

Special Welcome from the Event Host:

Dear Hawaii Chess Federation Members,

We are excited to extend an invitation to all members of the Hawaii Chess Federation and their ohanas to join us for the upcoming Art at the Capitol event on Friday, April 12th.

Art at the Capitol promises to be a vibrant and engaging event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our state. There will be live performances, and a stunning display of art from the state collection. It's an opportunity not only to appreciate the diverse artistic talents of Hawaii but also to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and community members. There will also be local food vendors participating.

In addition to the festivities, we're thrilled to announce that there will be a special Simultaneous chess match taking place at the event. Members are invited to participate in a friendly match against our current state champion, NM Paul Inuma. It's a chance to test your skills against the best active chess player in Hawaii and enjoy a spirited game of chess in a unique setting.

If you're interested in participating in the chess match at Art at the Capitol, please register here to confirm your attendance. The first 30 participants who register will be guaranteed a spot at a table.  We encourage all chess enthusiasts to join us for what promises to be a memorable event filled with culture, camaraderie, and chess.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Anthony Miranda, HCF Secretary