""Since 1976, the WSL (then IPS, then ASP) has considered Hawaii its own sovereign surfing nation so they receive a specific designation at WSL events and on the WSL rankings," said Dave Prodan, the WSL's VP of Communications...."
http://www.theinertia.com/surf/this-is-why-hawaiians-and-americans-are-recognized-separately-in-pro-surfing/
-vk-
