While many of the state’s top players chose to play for the Pac-12 schools, the University of Hawaii scored nicely Wednesday morning on National Letter of Intent day, the first day high school recruits could sign binding national letters with colleges.

Three players agreed to play for the Warriors and new head coach Norm Chow.

Punahou running back Steven Lakalaka and Kamehameha offensive lineman Kiha Sai made their commitments official at the HUB/Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance letter of intent signing ceremony at the Sheraton Waikiki. Kahuku linebacker Benetton Fonua signed at the school.

"Coach Chow really got me with Hawaii boys staying home, beginning a legacy, being remembered for being the class of local boys staying at UH," said Sai, who turned down Utah among other schools.

Lakalaka was decked out in a long-sleeved green shirt and tie for the occasion.

"The coaching staff at the University of Hawaii treated me like family," said Lakalaka, a Star-Advertiser all-state first-team running back. "Plus, the kind of offense they’re running is a good fit for me. Playing in front of my family, my friends."

A coaching change at his original destination, UCLA, spurred the switch. The possibility of serving on medical missions through UH’s medical school was another factor.

"Coach Norm (Chow) and Coach (Keith) Uperesa showed me this indigenous program where you go to the Polynesia islands and you can give back, using natural plants. I thought that was really interesting," said Lakalaka, who is still busy as a guard on Punahou’s top-ranked basketball team.

At Kahuku, Fonua followed up on his oral commitment to UH by signing in a ceremony before school began.

"I couldn’t sleep, I prayed all night and when I saw my mom in the morning I told her, ‘I am staying home.’ She was so happy," Fonua said.

He was the Star-Advertiser all-state defensive player of the year, helping Kahuku win the state title.

"Norm Chow made a big difference. Even last night, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but this is my chance to make a difference and I want to play for the state, play for Hawaii and play for my family," Fonua said. "I believe that. Without these people here, I wouldn’t be here. My main goal right now is to come back to Kahuku and give back to future generations so they can have opportunities like I have."

Another potential UH signee, Kamehameha safety Taylor Taliulu, reversed field for the second time in three days. Taliulu showed up dressed in a maroon Washington State polo shirt and signed with his original choice.

"It’s been real tough. I barely got any sleep, going to sleep at 2, 3 o’clock since the day I committed to UH," Taliulu said. "It’s a tough decision. That’s all I could think about at school."

The deciding factor that pushed Taliulu back to Washington State?

"They’re in the Pac-12. They play against big-time schools every week. Going away and having a real college experience — even though I really love Hawaii, I want to go away and get an experience away from home," Taliulu said. "My parents helped me weigh my options. They didn’t tell me to go here or go there."

Punahou defensive end DeForest Buckner, the state’s top recruit, sported a bright, cheery yellow and green Oregon Ducks hat.

"I was pretty excited, nervous in a good way," Buckner said. "It was just something else to sign. … I know that I made a good pick."

The 6-foot-7, 250-pound senior gave kukui nut leis to his Punahou teammates.

One of the most promising recruits to leave is Kamehameha tight end Keoni Bush-Loo to Arizona.

"I really felt at home there. I’m really comfortable with the coaches and players there," said Bush-Loo, who also liked Washington, Idaho and Nebraska.

Bush-Loo also said he’s open to changing positions, if asked.

Luke Kaumatule was overjoyed after signing with Stanford. The 6-foot-7 defensive end endured a knee injury to come back and help Punahou reach the state championship game.

"They have a top-notch education and a good program. I want to do what’s best for me," he said.

Other notable football players also made their decisions official.

Hawaii Prep offensive lineman Shane Brostek signed with Washington, the alma mater of his father, former pro Bern Brostek. The 6-3, 300-pound senior had considered Oregon and Hawaii, among many other offers.

He was one of three players in the top-10 Star-Advertiser ranking to sign with Washington, joining Saint Louis’ Kalei Auelua and Kealakehe’s Psalm Wooching, who flew in from the Big Island wearing a purple dress shirt.

"I like the coaching staff and most of my family is there," said Wooching, who had committed to UCLA early on, before coach Rick Neuhesiel was fired.

"I like the academics and the coaching staff," said defensive end Auelua, who had 39 sacks in the past two seasons. The Seattle Times said Auelua is a grayshirt candidate because of a "knee injury."

Another standout defensive end, Kory Rasmussen, was all smiles after signing with Colorado.

"It just felt right. It still feels right," Rasmussen said.

Punahou tackle Matthew Sparks wore his crimson red Massachusetts cap proudly.

"I love it. I’m ready to go. I love everything about it," said Sparks, who was originally recruited by UH when Nick Rolovich was the offensive coordinator. Rolovich is now the OC at UMass.

‘Iolani’s Amanda McCaskill was one of 10 women’s soccer signees at the ceremony, and the only one to sign with Hawaii.

"I want to play in front of my friends and family, so I have more of a support group. I know more people there and I feel more comfortable there," McCaskill said. "I feel like I’m signing my life away, kind of, but it feels good just knowing that I’m set with my future."

Jerry Campany contributed to this report.

See the HUB/PIAA national letter of intent signing day ceremony video at hawaiiprepworld.com.