The " R.H.A.D.T" was formed during the first " Royal Hawaiian International Darts Tournament". This dart tournament was among the very first of the "class" tournaments. It offered a prize money of $100,000.00 !. This tournament was open to all darters, regardless of their ability or stature. It was a tournament where every participant was made to feel as though they were indeed a part of a very special group of people. As the darters gathered in that mystical land known as "Paradise" they were shown a courtesy and respect seldom found in the dart world. Personal greetings, airport limousine service, and luxury accommodations were just a small part of the appeal. Upon deplaning the first impression that most had, was the incredible fragrances of the flowers and "clean" air. Soon we were to discover the "Aloha!" and being "Lei'd" for the first time.
The first "Royal Hawaiian" (and indeed, the subsequent tournaments on "The Rock") brought together a very unique group of people from all corners of the globe. All in attendance had the dream of winning the "Big One"!!! This diversity and desire prompted one local newspaper reporter to remark in his column that "If enough people around the world would play darts and be happy as those at the "Royal Hawaiian International Darts Tournament", this world wouldn't need a United Nations....I have never seen so many countries get along so well in the heat of such fierce competition!".
A strange, yet wonderful, phenomenon occurs when one finds oneself in "Paradise". The smells, the sun, the "Aloha", and of course, the "Mai-Tais", all contribute to "Polynesian Paralysis". The symptoms of which include operating on "Hawaii Time" (usually about two hours later than scheduled), and a general feeling of "Don't worry, Be happy!"
All of this led to a gathering in the "Watering Hole" of the "Pacific Beach Hotel" in Waikiki by a small, dedicated, and fearless group of darters. This tiny band realized that they had indeed become victims of "Polynesian Paralysis" and were not necessarily the "Allstars" of the dart tournament. They were, however, filled with the "Aloha Spirit" (As well as numerous other spirits), and given the effects of pineapple juice on the central nervous system, it is no small wonder that the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team" was given birth.
Upon returning to the mainland, this group regaled others with tales of their exploits, adventures, and love of their new found "home". These tales convinced others to join them the following year, and thus the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team" grew. The decision was made, that as the group would be larger, wouldn't it be great fun to have shirts made for the "R.H.A.D.T."(?)!. With shirts in hand and travel arrangements complete, the group returned to "Paradise", along with their new recruits and reinforcements.
The second year renewed the original participants feelings and also afforded the "Malihinis" (Newcomers) the wonders of "Aloha". Since the group was larger, it attracted somewhat more interest and attention, resulting in more of those who were instilled with the "Aloha Spirit" being inducted into what was rapidly becoming a very select and special group. By the third year in Hawaii, enthusiasm was high (As were most of the members), and that year we grew to what we thought at that time would be a maximum of twenty-one members (wrong!!).
Unfortunately, the third year in "Paradise" would also prove to be the last of the "Royal Hawaiians". But wait, weren't we the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team", the believers in the "Aloha Spirit", "Polynesian Paralysis", The Friendship and international Brotherhood of Darts?. It was from this point that the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team" really developed and grew to it's present size.
As the original participants and members sadly realized that there would be no more "Royal Hawaiian" tournaments, we also knew that we could not let our memories of "Aloha" simply fade away. In the Hawaiian language "Aloha" means "Hello, Good-bye, and Love". It also means so much more. "Aloha" means "Welcome to my land, come share my dreams and the beauty that surrounds us". "Aloha" also means "Farewell my friend, may your journey be safe and may the spirits bless you until you return to our shores".
It is due, in part, to the feelings shared in Hawaii, and that the definition of "Aloha" so perfectly befits the darting community, that the "R.H.A.D.T." has been able to establish it's purpose.
The "R.H.A.D.T.", ever determined to keep "Aloha" alive, decided to expand it's horizons. Discussions and interviews regarding our ideals and goals began with other dart enthusiasts. The "Board" and "Original" members soon realized that there were a great many among us who truly possessed the "Aloha" spirit.
The roster expanded to include those who were "Believers". Membership in the "R.H.A.D.T." was opened to all, whether or not they had participated in the "Royal Hawaiian International". The main factor in determining eligibility for membership being based upon possessing the true spirit of "Aloha"!.
As dart players, some of us travel to far flung regions of the world, and some of us prefer to stay and play at home, while still others try to combine a little of both. No matter your choice, the purpose of the "R.H.A.D.T." is to provide "Aloha" and support to all members. As we have grown to be the "second" largest "International" darts organization, we feel safe in saying that "No matter where you are, you are not far from a fellow member". Whenever two or more members are together then the "R.H.A.D.T." is also there.
During the early stages of the "R.H.A.D.T." we realized that we had a responsibility to general society as well as the darting community. The original members agreed then to contribute to and actively support one charity. The "R.H.A.D.T." chose to support the "Special Olympics". While we do not limit ourselves as far as charitable contributions are concerned, we are none-the-less proud of our affiliation with the "Special Olympics".
The "R.H.A.D.T.", being comprised of dart players from all walks of life, brings together people who truly believe that, together, we can make a difference.
From it's simple beginnings (As a lark among friends) the "R.H.A.D.T." has accomplished a great deal. Considering the relative infancy of our group, and it's admittedly rather loosely coordinated organization, our accomplishments and gains are rather impressive.
Our roster has grown to over 125 in number. We now have members in many countries including Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Holland, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. Our U.S. members reside in these states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania , Texas and Washington.
Our tiny band began with a very "Basic" silk-screened shirt. We now have an Award Winning Embroidered Design being produced on "State-of-the-art" computerized equipment. This affords us consistent high quality, as well as the ability to offer our members a wider choice of "Club" related garments and accessories. Our members with their many and varied talents have enabled us to have computer designed logos, cloisonné lapel pins, embroidery services, tournament direction and tournament fund raising, & function coordination, Computerized mailing, travel & accommodation assistance and many other services.
We have recently completed the necessary legal obligations an are now Officially Incorporated within the state of California as a "not-for-profit" organization with tax-exempt status with the U.S. Government currently pending.
The "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team's contributions to charity are tantamount to it's reasons for existence. We have proudly been able to support and sponsor 12 very special children into the "Special Olympics". The "R.H.A.D.T." has also contributed to the loved ones left behind by our departed fellow dart players and friends. Our contributions to the "National Exchange Club's Child Abuse Fund" have also been generous. These are donations made as a club and do not reflect the donations by our members on their own to these and many other worthwhile charities.
The very first "R.H.A.D.T." Tournament and fund-raiser was held prior to the third "Royal Hawaiian International". Our first place prize was a trip to that tournament. Since the demise of the "Royal Hawaiian International" the "R.H.A.D.T." has successfully hosted the "California-Hawaiian Open". Our tournament was (to the best of our knowledge) the best attended and supported tournament, within it's prize money pay-out bracket, during 1988.
The "R.H.A.D.T." has also been able to host a "Club" room at the "North American Open Dart Tournament" for many years. The "Club" room has been very popular and successful as a venue for socializing, meeting and greeting other members, and relaxing before and after the tournament events.
All of these accomplishments, and many others which may not have been mentioned but certainly not overlooked, have all been achieved with yearly dues of only $20.00, hard work, and dedication by the loyal members of The Finest Club in Darts: the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team"!!.
The goals of the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team" have definitely changed somewhat from the days when our credo was based on the ancient Hawaiian phrase of "Suck 'em up, Brah!"
However.......
Royal Hawaiian Will always reflect the place of our birth;
Allstar Will always be our wish for each of our members;
Drinking Will always symbolize a toast to all the good things in our sport;
Team Is what we are and will remain.
The "R.H.A.D.T.", with it's growth and recognition, will continue to support the growth and development of darts, and more importantly the brotherhood of the people involved. We will continue our affiliation with the "Special Olympics" and other charitable causes.
As a club, we will strive to continue providing a forum where the "Super-Star" and "Grass-Root" players may gather to share in the "Aloha Spirit", and discuss, relate, and express their desires and experiences in a social atmosphere.
As the interests and the charitable work of the club grew and became significant it also became apparent that in some situations organizations and people had reservations about dealing with a "Drinking Team". It was discussed thoroughly and by a majority vote of the members it was decided that the name of the Club should be altered to accommodate situations where difficulties could arise. Therefore at this time we are incorporated in the state of California as the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Drinking Team" dba the "Royal Hawaiian Allstar Darting Team". Either name may be used by members.