When good things happen to good people

Sometimes, the nice guys win.

Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea and his wife were certified as foster parents before their 19th birthdays.

Last year, they wed.

Last November, they adopted two boys — now 11 and 10 — who were his “brothers” when they were in the same foster family growing up in Hawaii.

They’re raising their two sons on her two jobs and his scholarship checks, their love, and their faith.

And thanks to NCAA’s waiver, Kema-Kaleiwahea, who transferred from Arizona to apply for the adoption, can play this football season.


* * * * *

In February 2014, Army veteran Terrence Sayles successfully tried out for the Warriors. Sayles redshirted in 2014.


Because of the financial struggles of living in Hawaii, Sayles moved to the mainland this spring with the intention of joining another school in Texas. But he recently learned there was a place for him to stay in Hawaii. Sayles moved back to Hawaii, re-enrolled at UH, and now waits if a roster opening materializes.

* * * * *

Cornerback Jalen Rogers
Cornerback Jalen Rogers
Cornerback Jamal Mayo
Cornerback Jamal Mayo
Safeties Dany Mulanga and Trayvon Henderson
Safeties Dany Mulanga and Trayvon Henderson
Jalen Rogers, Trayvon Henderson and Jamal Mayo
Jalen Rogers, Trayvon Henderson and Jamal Mayo
Defensive ends Marquis Fairchild and David Manoa
Defensive ends Marquis Fairchild and David Manoa
Tight end Dakota Torres and his father, Darren Torres
Tight end Dakota Torres and his father, Darren Torres

COMMENTS

  1. islandman August 8, 2015 8:56 am

    1st


  2. islandman August 8, 2015 8:58 am

    Sayles is a WR, per 2014 roster.


  3. Bowwar August 8, 2015 9:20 am

    I owner if there any DLs waiting for a chance to join the team…


  4. Boolakanaka August 8, 2015 9:21 am

    3 prong , I think I’ll be in attendance. Making some plans with Dan2 ( Dan Ahuna) Chee hoo…..grab drinks with dpk and kifi and me, be home in a couple of weeks.


  5. Warrior Dave August 8, 2015 9:22 am

    Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea your actions and your wife’s really turned the lives of your two sons around. Bless all of you and good luck this upcoming season.


  6. A-House August 8, 2015 9:37 am

    Pomai:

    UH 14 Buffs 0


  7. Da Punchbowl Kid August 8, 2015 9:38 am

    Great story about Makani. A good man who will nurture to good sons. Bless his wife and family for being that great example of ‘ohana.


  8. A-House August 8, 2015 9:40 am

    last comment on Hiroshima:

    report I read said “bomb” was ready in early January 1945, but media was told US continues testing — biggest fear was US citizens criticism if USA used the bomb in Europe


  9. Da Punchbowl Kid August 8, 2015 9:40 am

    The pads come on and the faces get hard. Love it. Warriors taking care of business. DB’s look like a good group.

    GO WARRIORS!!!
    GO WARRIORS!!!


  10. A-House August 8, 2015 9:44 am

    UH coupon with football season tickets:

    I will no longer make an effort to collect them as UH decided that you must “buy one and get one free” – can’t see Coach Beeman paying for a ticket to get one free

    therefore, we will use our 4 coupons to attend a VB or men’s BB game

    many thanks to all who donated their coupon these past years who gave from the heart to help women’s basketball program.


  11. Da Punchbowl Kid August 8, 2015 9:56 am

    The Torres ‘ohana – cool to see the same face on two very different bodies. Great shot Stephen.


  12. Akamai Okole August 8, 2015 10:08 am

    Great Morning All!

    Nice stories about a coupla good guys.

    Just confirming widda Blog Host that this afternoon’s practice is open to the public?


  13. amela August 8, 2015 10:22 am

    Great to hear Makani gets to play this year. Good things do happen to good people.


  14. SteveM August 8, 2015 10:48 am

    Good morning everyone!

    ST, great backstory on Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea and his transfer. Best wishes to them!


  15. H-Man August 8, 2015 11:03 am

    I really like our DB group. ST has posted several pictures of them and they seem to be enjoying each other and having fun.


  16. Tanman August 8, 2015 11:24 am

    If UH turns things around and goes to a bowl game, we can make a movie with many subplots: former coordinator poached recruits from UH, new coordinators, Norm Chow is on the hot seat, individual player story such as the one about Sayles, Kema-Kaleiwahea, Stubblefield, Ursua, Wittek, etc. etc. All have a story to tell… Even though we are not in a bowl game or begin the season, we feel like we know these players! That’s thanks to ST for bringing these stories to us!!


  17. BigFan August 8, 2015 11:38 am

    Trayvon has his game face on. lol.


  18. Tofuzuke August 8, 2015 11:39 am

    Best pic was of Darren Torres, one proud papa! Brah, u look soo young, couldn’t tell who was da son!! Graduating Seniors, stay home and play for Hawaii’s Team, because dis don’t happen on da mainland!!
    Getting excited as Coach Chow’s 4 yr puzzle starts to take shape. Work hard boys, can’t wait to see u on the field!!


  19. Stephen Tsai August 8, 2015 11:45 am

    Yep, practice is open to the public. It’s gonna be hot one so bring water, sun screen and a folding chair. (I think there are a lot of bugs and ants.)


  20. Stephen Tsai August 8, 2015 11:47 am

    The players are having fun. It really means a lot to sleep I the dorms or at home.


  21. st. anthony trojan August 8, 2015 12:06 pm

    Well…movie or no movie..just hope as the season progresses…that there is improvement from week one to week 13…bowl or no bowl….


  22. Warbow August 8, 2015 1:43 pm

    Hard to tell with the Torres which one is the father and which one is the son.


  23. 3-Prong August 8, 2015 2:15 pm

    Ok brudda boo, gotta be there for Upset of the Century! Chaninade is going down! Cheee! Maybe can do some kind of pregame. Lmk. Got some tour stuff I have to work around.


  24. J.V. Sr. August 8, 2015 5:35 pm

    Aloha everyone. 1st time out to watch this years fall camp practice. It was nice to see a change in the UH atmosphere. Very positive and uplifting. Offense was sharper than the spring, defense was aggressive as usual. A lot of support from family, friends, fans and spectators. Not to mentioned that it was hot, really hot. Let’s keep the dream alive and continue to support our Rainbow Warriors.

    Go Bows!


  25. kapakahi August 8, 2015 5:59 pm

    Came away from today’s practice very impressed with true frosh #66 Epe Moananu…….especially during one-on-ones.


  26. Akamai Okole August 8, 2015 9:20 pm

    Woah…outta shape!

    Was watching practice today. So hot!

    Came home and kah-rash! Just got up. 😯

    1st thing- I hope the OC gets his offense installed in time

    2nd thing- Maybe it wasn’t the Receivers after all…


  27. Akamai Okole August 8, 2015 9:21 pm

    …da Beeg Ting

    QB1 is showing what Leadership looks like.


  28. Kalani August 8, 2015 10:36 pm

    Kapakahi, what position was #66 practicing at?


  29. Darren August 8, 2015 11:09 pm

    Dunno…seemed like all the receivers had their share of drops…except 5 and 23. Those guys caught everything thrown their way. 23 with a pretty spectacular lay out catch during 11s.


  30. kapakahi August 9, 2015 6:23 am

    #28,

    Currently lining up with the 2nd team OL…..at RG…..behind Dejon Allen.


  31. kapakahi August 9, 2015 6:35 am

    #3,

    The “other defensive lineman” now unlikely to join the team anytime soon.

    BTW, no sign of K-State NG transfer Beaune at yesterday’s practice.


  32. kapakahi August 9, 2015 6:44 am

    Good early verbal commit for UH…….but JMHO that this kid is really gonna have to cut down on the “unnecessary roughness”…..

    http://www.hawaiiprepworld.com/football/tokuda-and-york-potential-high-for-mules-muti/
    http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4101944/highlights/276664377/v2


  33. Ipu Man August 9, 2015 7:16 am

    Amazing stories.
    Amazing people.
    Amazing photographer.


  34. Stephen Tsai August 9, 2015 7:29 am

    Kapakahi:
    Beaune is receiving treatment after suffering an injury while weight-training.


  35. Stephen Tsai August 9, 2015 7:29 am

    New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=32443


Comments are closed.