Kamehameha’s Kalamaku Kuewa joins Warriors

A play-making safety from Kamehameha will join the University of Hawaii football team.

Kalamaku Kuewa told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he is enrolled in UH’s second summer session, which begins today. Kuewa and the other incoming freshmen will report to the Rainbow Warriors for the July 26 start of training camp.

Kuewa said he is fulfilling a childhood dream. “When I was little, I used to watch their games,” Kuewa said of the Rainbow Warriors.

Abu Maafala, Kamehameha’s head coach and a former UH defensive lineman, praised Kuewa’s diligence.

“No. 1, he’s a high-character kid,” Maafala said.“He’s a hard-worker. I think UH is getting a steal in him.”

Kuewa is 6 feet and 185 pounds. In 2017, he was credited with eight interceptions, including four in the first three games, and three forced fumbles. He also scored on an interception return.

He was named to the Star-Advertiser’s 2017 All-State second team.

Kuewa also is an accomplished baseball player. He was used at catcher, third base and the outfield for Kamehameha this past season. Maafala said Kuewa’s skills as a baseball center fielder transcended to the football field.

“He has incredible middle-of-the-field range,” Maafala said. “He reminds me a lot of the old-school free safeties who could go sideline to sideline. He has a knack for getting balls.”

Kuewa said: “As a center fielder (in baseball), you track the ball. This time (in football), the ball is a lot bigger.”

Kuewa honed his coverage and leadership skills in Kamehameha’s multiple defensive schemes. He picked up the slotback against four-wide offenses, and served as the last line of defense against spread-option teams.

“As a free safety, I helped out,” Kuewa said. “I talked to my corners, and helped them out, and told them I’ll be there for them.”