Former Hawaii football player Heikoti Fakava was remembered as a running back whose on-field toughness belied his kind nature.

Fakava died Tuesday morning in Millbrae, Calif., after a lengthy illness, his sister confirmed. He was 46.

Heikoti Fakava:
Sixth in UH career
rushing with 2,111
yards

“I love all of the great running backs — no disrespect to them — but in my eyes, Heikoti was one of the toughest running backs I’ve ever seen,” said David Maeva, a former UH linebacker.

After games at Aloha Stadium, the players would hurry to watch the 10 p.m. delayed telecast.

“You knew he was a hard runner, but to see that on the replay was something else,” Maeva said. “He gave everything he had. He would be in traction all week, and then, because of pride for Hawaii and his family, he would play his heart out.”

Fakava, a graduate of Moanalua High School, was a lead blocker in his first two UH seasons. In 1987, Bob Wagner’s first season as head coach, the triple-option offense was installed. Fakava was featured as the single back.

“What a great young man,” Wagner said. “He was always upbeat. It’s shocking to hear that.”

Maeva said Fakava was a “great guy who never razzed anyone.”

It was different on the field. Maeva said the first practice he moved from safety to linebacker, UH unveiled its power offense with defensive linemen Al Noga and Nick Maafala serving as lead blockers for Fakava. Maeva said that was when he suffered his first concussion.

“Nobody can hit harder than Heikoti Fakava,” Maeva said. “He always gave 100 percent. He was a great teammate.”

Fakava is sixth in UH career rushing yards with 2,111 and ninth in scoring with 204 points.

After a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Fakava moved to the Bay Area in 1991. Since 1992, he worked as a deputy in the sheriff’s department in San Mateo, Calif.

He is survived by his wife, Kaufoou, and their five children.