It's been 19 years since he was nominated, but now King Kamehameha has secured a fresh legacy as an inductee to the JRA Hall Of Fame. Having long garnered substantial support, falling just one vote short last year, he was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame with 143 out of 176 votes (81.3%). His recognition extends beyond his racing career to his impactful legacy as a sire.

Owner Masato Kaneko expressed his joy, stating, "King Kamehameha's racing career was brief, but his success as a sire allowed our dreams and those of everyone involved to continue. His bloodline persists, and this award makes his enduring legacy all the more meaningful."

Kunihide Matsuda, the former trainer who managed King Kamehameha during his racing career, extended his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful to the owner, farm staff, and everyone involved. I also appreciate the dedication of the JRA veterinarians, farrier Fukuda, and the stable staff. I am deeply grateful to the fans and media for their support."

King Kamehameha passed away in August 2019 at the age of 18, but his legacy lives on through his progeny, which include the world-renowned sprinter Lord Kanaloa, dual Classic winner Duramente, Triple Tiara winner Apapane, and dirt specialist Hokko Tarumae. His induction into the Hall of Fame, 19 years after his initial nomination, is a testament to his enduring influence in various racing categories.