Family ties were instrumental in the University of Hawaii football team securing its first commitment for the 2019 recruiting class.

Kaimana “Bubz” Wa‘a, a lineman from Crescent Valley High in Corvallis, Ore., told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a scholarship offer from the Rainbow Warriors.

“I’m coming back home,” Wa‘a announced to his Twitter followers.

Wa‘a lived in Hauula until he was 8, when his family moved to Corvallis to follow his uncle, Jeremy Perry, at Oregon State. Perry, a Kahuku High graduate, was a highly recruited offensive lineman for the Beavers.

“We went to go see him, and we decided to stay there,” Wa‘a said.

Mark Banker, UH’s assistant head coach and linebackers coach, factored in Wa‘a’s decision. As Oregon State’s defensive coordinator in 2004, Banker was in charge of recruiting in Hawaii. He was key in signing Perry to OSU.

“I have a long relationship with Coach Banker,” Wa‘a said.

Wa‘a did not hesitate after receiving a scholarship offer from UH. Utah State, New Mexico and San Jose State also were recruiting Wa‘a but he said he wanted to return to Hawaii.

“I miss my family the most,” Wa‘a said, “and the food is second. I miss Hawaiian food in general. You don’t see that in Oregon.”

Wa‘a, who will be a senior this fall, has played offensive tackle and on the defensive line for Crescent Valley. Wa‘a, who will enroll at UH next June, is projected to compete at center for the Warriors. Wa‘a said he is 6 feet 2 and 294 pounds.

Wa‘a will be following in the cleat-steps of cousin John Wa‘a, who recently completed a five-year career with the Warriors. Another cousin, defensive end Jonah Kahahawai-Welch, will be a UH freshman this season.