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Christian Shimabuku

Sports

When University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball standout libero ‘Eleu Choy was a youth, he had bounced from school to school. His parents, Barney and Terri-Ann, vowed from the very beginning to support him and place him in an optimal environment.

A young ‘Eleu Choy proved to be aptly named from an early age. ‘Eleu, which means energetic and active in Hawaiian, was a name brainstormed by Terri-Ann. The name stuck, and it continues to be an accurate description for ‘Eleu Choy, who has amassed 191 digs for the Rainbow Warriors thus far in 2025. 

"It's funny how it turned out to fit the person," Barney Choy told Aloha State Daily. "It doesn't happen very often, but it fits him to a T."

As a preschooler at Seagull Schools, ‘Eleu Choy was the only student in his class that wouldn't fall asleep during nap time. While the rest of his classmates were sleeping, he would be found roaming around by himself. 

Though ‘Eleu was never one to make trouble, his teachers eventually met with his parents and encouraged him to undergo testing. 

"He's not doing anything naughty or anything bad," Barney Choy recalled. "He just gets up and he doesn't bother anybody and just kind of does his thing."

The next step in ‘Eleu Choy's educational journey took him to Wilson Elementary near his Wai‘alae home. After some time in the special education program, he rejoined the general education students in the third grade. 

"When he was young, he had some challenges, some little nuances. We used to take him to UH for therapies and that kind of stuff," Barney Choy said.

Although his parents appreciated Wilson's support system, they sought a more structured academic regimen for ‘Eleu, enrolling him at Mary, Star of the Sea.

In middle school, Choy was wait-listed at ‘Iolani, the same school where his sister, Bailey, was a rising volleyball star. ‘Eleu Choy eventually enrolled at University Lab School. His parents thought he had finally found his niche at University Lab, a K-12 school in Mānoa with a student enrollment of about 450, lending itself to more focused learning environments than that of a public school. 

Then one day, ‘Eleu Choy told his father he wanted to enroll at Farrington High School, citing its engineering program. 

"Everyone always asked me, like, 'Why? Why'd you go to Farrington?' I heard about the opportunities I could get there at Farrington," ‘Eleu Choy recalled.

Barney Choy wasn't so sure at first, but he also wanted to hear his son out. ‘Eleu shadowed Farrington principal Al Carganilla for one school day, and continued to ask his daughter, Kylie, how things were at the school. 

Barney and Terri-Ann Choy eventually decided to let ‘Eleu enroll at Farrington prior to his freshman year of high school, citing his pure eagerness to do so and how thorough he was in explaining why. 

Life at Farrington can be rugged at times, and Choy was certainly not an exception. He was bullied and called a nerd for answering too many questions in class. One student taunted him and struck him in the face, and both of their families were called in to the main office. After a forced apology, Choy responded by telling the student he forgave him and told him he still sees the good in him. 

"It was kind of rough because I was trying to adapt to the environment," ‘Eleu Choy recalled. "I was more used to sheltered, more controlled environments. Everyone at that school, we're just trying to get our degrees and try to figure out where our future is going to be. Granted, that might be different paths, but we all have that common goal that we were trying to get somewhere where we want to be.  

"I think that's what Farrington taught me, is to not be so close minded. Don't be strict on one path, but be open to everything, because you never know what really is going to happen."

While ‘Eleu Choy was being proactive academically, he also dabbled in a variety of sports. His first love was baseball. As a youth, he even gave karate a try. Farrington's new turf field at Skippa Diaz Stadium was the talk of the school in 2017, so Choy joined the soccer team as a goalkeeper. 

Growing up, ‘Eleu Choy says he idolized his sister, who had all the accolades he didn't have as a youth volleyball player. Bailey Choy (now De Vos) was the Hawai‘i consensus Player of the Year in 2015, then chose to play volleyball at the University of Utah over a bevy of other scholarship offers. 

‘Eleu Choy was surrounded by volleyball, following his father to Na Keiki Mauloa practices, a prominent girls club volleyball team based on O‘ahu. Barney Choy, who is the president of Na Keiki Mauloa and is the head coach of three of its teams, says he prefers coaching girls and their attention to detail and discipline compared to the boys. That meant when ‘Eleu played club volleyball, Barney was mostly an observer. 

‘Eleu played club volleyball for Ku‘ikahi for five years. Practices would end with scrimmages in which players were picked to each team. 

"I am not exaggerating when I say he was the last guy chosen every single night," Barney Choy said. "Every time comes in the car I go, 'Hey, how was it?' He would say, 'Oh, dad, that was so much fun.' He's the last guy chosen. He's the only guy standing there. He runs to the team (enthusiastically). And this went on for about three years."

‘Eleu Choy didn't play volleyball for Farrington until his junior year. In a win against Kalani, he had seven kills, five assists and four digs, outdueling future teammate 

In the club circuit, Choy caught the eye of UH coaches Joshua Walker and Charlie Wade, who continued to keep tabs on him.

Choy's senior year at Farrington came and went with all his future goals intact. He was set to graduate with 21 transferrable credits to UH-Mānoa and get a head start on his engineering degree. A scholarship to assist UH women's coach Robyn Ah Mow as a student manager was on the table, but playing was not in the cards. Then a few days before he was set to graduate from Farrington, Walker offered him a spot on the men's team as a walk-on. 

‘Eleu Choy committed on the spot, but Walker told him to talk it through with his family first. As with his initial desire to attend Farrington, ‘Eleu Choy's parents wanted to make sure it was something his heart truly desired. At the time, the Rainbow Warriors were coming off a 28-3 season in 2019, boasting a team that some believe is the best in school history, despite the fact that they lost in the national championship match to Long Beach State. The only condition Barney gave ‘Eleu was that if he committed, he couldn't quit. 

As a 17-year-old stepping into the UH practice gym for the first time, Choy was a 5-foot-7 true freshman walk-on competing against names such as Rado Parapunov, Patrick Gasman, Colton Cowell and Jakob Thelle, some of the giants in the sport at the time. 

"It was definitely daunting. I remember my first day like it was yesterday. I was so nervous," Choy recalled. "You see all these juggernauts, like here are these guys, senior veterans, played the game at a high level for a long time. ... I'm like, God, I feel so misplaced, like a black sheep.

"It was just an absolutely huge honor to see people like that committed to their craft and spent their whole lives playing volleyball. I was like, wow, this is an amazing opportunity."

Although Choy was a freshman, he already knew some of the players on the team, including James Anastassiades, who helped coach Na Keiki Mauloa.

"I knew ‘Eleu prior, and he was always this sweet, bubbly kid," Anastassiades said. "He always made an effort to be social, and just this adorable kid, like, he's just awesome. The first open gym we had he's like, 'I rode my bike six miles to get here.' I was like, what? That's crazy, but I respect that commitment."

Choy continued to be dedicated to becoming the best libero he could be. Whether it was by himself, teammates and coaches, or even members of the UH women's team, Choy craved the extra work, digging thousands of balls in the gym. 

Freshman are expected to set up the practice gym at UH as an initiation tactic, but from year one to six, Choy never relinquished those duties in order to maximize his time on the court. 

After appearing in five matches in 2020 and redshirting in 2021, Choy still had four years of eligibility entering the 2022. He contemplated leaving multiple years of eligibility on the table and accepting a job offer after getting his bachelor's degree, but he eventually decided to stay and get his master's degree. Choy won the starting job as a redshirt junior in 2024, starting all 30 matches. In 2025, he's been the only player on the roster to play in all 31 matches for the 26-5 Rainbow Warriors. 

"If he's not the best libero in the country, he's damn close," Wade said of Choy following the team's 

win over No. 1 Long Beach State on April 12

. The 'Bows defeated The Beach again two weeks later. In UH's starting lineup, Choy was the only player under 6-foot-5. 

The demands of being the team's full-time libero for two straight years has surely taken a toll on Choy's body. 

"A lot of fatigue," Choy said. "My body would just be naturally tired, and a lot of pain in my knees, because we have to stay low for long period of time. But other than that, I always tell myself, 'Hey, you're not getting it as bad as the hitters.' Those guys jump all the time." 

That type of humility has endeared Choy to teammates, coaches and followers alike over the years. 

"When I think of people who have sacrificed for this program, I can't think of anyone who's sacrificed more than ‘Eleu Choy," middle blocker Kurt Nusterer said earlier in the season. "He's the heart and soul of this team, and you've never seen anybody sacrifice and work as hard and have as much integrity as person like that."

"He is a real, genuine human and you're not going to find much better than ‘Eleu Choy," Wade added.  

Choy earned Honorable Mention when the AVCA announced its All-America team, as well as when the Big West announced its All-Conference team. Not bad for a walk-on from Farrington, but many thought he was worthy of more. 

"I think this year, I easily argue he's become the best libero in the NCAA," said Anastassiades, an analyst for Spectrum Sports and founder of Volley Method, a local volleyball training organization. "His journey was nothing but hard. But he's the epitome of what it takes. From the day he walked in to the day he walked out, he was always the first one in and last one out."

The days and weeks ahead will be a whirlwind for Choy. On Thursday, the 

Rainbow Warriors will face Penn State in the quarterfinals 

of the NCAA Tournament, with first serve set for 7:30 a.m. HST. The Rainbow Warriors missed the NCAA Tournament in 2024, but made four straight title games from 2019 to 2023. 

He'll also graduate with his master's degree and start his engineering career at Fukunaga & Associates, the same company that oversees athletic venues across the Islands, from baseball fields in Maui to Kahuku High School's turf football field. 

"I always want to give back to the community, because I know that the community always gave me so much, too," Choy said. "I was so blessed. My family, friends, uncles, aunties, they sacrificed so much for me. And I always wanted to give back."

Taking an engineering job out of school means Choy is not pursuing a professional volleyball career, something he is fully at peace with. Generations of Farrington alums have approached him over the years, expressing their gratitude in him representing the Governors in the way that he has. 

With his volleyball career set to come to an end, Choy says he has no regrets because he knows where he started from. 

"He's probably changed the lives of so many local kids with the dream to go play in college," Anastassiades said. "And I don't think there's a more special kid out here that could do something like that, just because of his personal background and his struggles, which is, again, what blows my mind. I get emotional talking about it and thinking about it."

Eleu Choy 050725

<title>‘Eleu Choy provides energy, inspiration for Hawai‘i men's volleyball team</title>

Choy, a 2019 Farrington High School alumnus, went from a walk-on to a two-year starter at libero for the Rainbow Warriors.

‘Eleu Choy provides energy, inspiration for Hawai‘i men's volleyball team

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Arts & Culture

For Kawika McKeague, the newly minted president of Honolulu-based G70, his roots in Hawai‘i mean everything.

McKeague told Aloha State Daily he's a product of a bicultural family that honored both its Hawaiian and German heritages, and was raised by his paternal grandparents from the age of 3. 

"I feel in that regard I kind of carry a sense of their values and perceptions of the universe relative to the things that our grandparents cared about, the things that they taught in terms of just having strong work ethics and how to approach yourself in terms of your own kuleana to self, your kuleana to family, your kuleana to the communities you're in service of."

G70 — a Hawai‘i-based multi-discipline design firm founded in 1971 — specializes in architecture, interior design, civil engineering, planning and environment. McKeague recently assumed the role of president after being elected to the position in August 2024.

McKeague has a master's degree in planning, with an emphasis in environmental, land use and community planning. He has also trained with Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine as a hula practitioner and community advocate.

Other passions — music and composition — are also rooted in Hawai‘i's culture. McKeague says he studied briefly with Cyril Pahinui before his passing.

"I find my return to source, if you will, is through music — whether it's through actual performance or just composition or just having a good backyard jam for folks, that's where I find my cup refilled."

In his new role, McKeague — who joined the firm as an entry-level planner in 2001 — will guide the G70's strategic direction, oversee its principal team and departments, and will lead cultural and community engagement initiatives. He also will continue to serve as a planning principal, the firm recently noted.

He spoke of his evolution over the past two-plus decades and said today he sees his sense of kuleana "as being one of the work we get to do on the daily — whether it's with our staff, whether it's with the communities we serve — is really trying to shape and improve upon the conditions of our human dignity."

[{"text":"Becoming president, \"I get to explore that,\" he says.","type":"text"}]

And in a way, McKeague says he also gets to honor the words of his grandfather, shared with McKeague as a keiki: to seek self-improvement, not for your benefit or gain, but to be in continued service to others.

"I see the work here, not even as president, is not about what I can gain from it," he said, but rather how he can frame conversations "that lend to the moral ecology that I'd like to see continue to grow from here, because feel like we do have a strong moral ecology. But I'd like to see that go to the next level, and I see my role as president being one of protecting that moral ecology."

McKeague said architects, designers and planners today are tackling issues around the need for affordable and attainable housing, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and a growing need for kūpuna living, among others. 

[{"text":"He also highlighted some projects he's working on.","type":"text"}]

"I feel really excited and passionate about certain projects that are coming online that are relevant to building our community capacity," he said.

One is the Ko‘olauloa Community Resilience Hub with Hui o Hau‘ula, which McKeague said in a follow-up email to ASD aims to provide a storm-resistant shelter that can accommodate up to 1,500 individuals for 30 days during emergencies. Read more about the project 

He said Plus Lab is the lead architect but G70 — especially its Planning and Civil Engineering team — is assisting with a number of facets of the project. The facility will include community kitchens, classrooms, computer labs, health and dialysis centers, and renewable energy sources with battery storage to enable off-grid operations for up to 30 days, McKeague said.

Another is the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' King's Landing Kuleana Homesteading Settlement plan, which McKeague says  will offer more than 1,300 acres for a range of activities including community-based agriculture, community use and about 80 homestead lots under kuleana homesteading rules.

He says kuleana homesteading is for individuals who want to have the opportunity to homestead, "with very little need for the department to provide built infrastructure."

They do the planning, lot layout, address access and water, and it's up to those awarded those lots to "build the community that is necessary then to see success happen," he told ASD. "That particular model may not be for everyone. ... I'm speaking to some of the innovation that's out there and we get to be a small part of that conversation."

In addition to McKeague, Ryan Char also has assumed the role of chief operating officer, where he will oversee G70's organizational functions and day-to-day operations. He will continue serving as a civil engineering principal. They join CEO Linda Miki in leading the firm.

Former President and COO Charles Kaneshiro will remain a principal and now serves as chair of G70's board of directors. He succeeds Norman Hong, who has been named chairman emeritus. 

Kawika McKeague

<title>Kawika McKeague assumes role of president at design firm G70</title>

McKeague has a master's degree in planning and has also trained with Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine as a hula practitioner and community advocate.

Kawika McKeague assumes role of president at design firm G70

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

A woman who was convicted of murdering her husband in 2001 was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend.

A brief Honolulu Police Department arrest highlight stated that Sabrina Lynn Fiaai, 61, stabbed her 44-year-old boyfriend with a knife on May 6 shortly after midnight on Kapi‘olani Boulevard. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital in serious condition, and Fiaai was arrested without incident for second-degree attempted murder.

The HPD highlight does not mention that this was not the first time Fiaai had allegedly stabbed a romantic partner. In 2000, Fiaai had also faced a second-degree murder charge after fatally stabbing her husband in the throat.

wrote that Fiaai, 36 at the time, had used a kitchen knife to kill her husband Abe Fiaai at their home in Makakilo. Fiaai fled with two of her four children, but her other two children reportedly witnessed their father staggering through their home before pulling the knife from his throat and dying.

Fiaai’s attorney at the time, deputy public defender Todd Eddins — now an associate justice at the Hawai‘i Supreme Court — wrote in defense of Fiaai that her husband had been physically and emotionally abusive toward her. Eddins described brutal behavior from Abe Fiaai, including burning her with cigarettes, choking her into unconsciousness, and more, which was repeated throughout their relationship.

Eddins also wrote that Abe Fiaai had similarly abused their children, beating them with objects and, Eddins alleged, sexually abusing at least one of them. 

In any case, Sabrina Fiaai pleaded guilty to manslaughter — claiming in her plea that she was suffering from an “extreme mental or emotional disturbance” that led to her killing her husband — and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in 2001.

But the Tuesday incident was not even the second time Fiaai had allegedly stabbed a romantic partner. In 2005, Fiaai was charged yet again with second-degree attempted murder for stabbing her boyfriend.

Court records on the 2005 incident are not readily available, but contemporary reporting from the 

 indicated that Fiaai — 42 years old and out on parole at the time — stabbed her boyfriend at a location in Kalihi, injuring him in his hand and the side of his abdomen. 

Court-appointed mental health experts reportedly found that Fiaai suffered from a psychotic disorder exacerbated by her use of crystal meth.

Fiaai pleaded guilty to attempted manslaughter and was again sentenced to 20 years in prison following the second incident, while her parole from the first incident was revoked, leaving her to also serve out the remainder of the initial 20-year sentence. She served both sentences concurrently.

It is unclear when Fiaai was released from prison. However, she was required to serve at least six years and eight months before being eligible for parole.

Police reports from Fiaai’s latest reported stabbing have not yet been released. While HPD reports she is in police custody, her bail has not been set, nor is a court date scheduled.

Aloha State Daily reached out to HPD for information about the Tuesday incident. Judge Rom Trader, who was prosecuting attorney for the 2005 case, declined to comment

I Stock 2199972571 16x9

<title>Convicted murderer allegedly attempts murder again</title>

61-year-old Sabrina Lynn Fiaai reportedly stabbed a man on Tuesday, her third since 2000

Convicted murderer allegedly attempts murder again

ASD Staff

"Ember will always greet you with a happy smile and a wagging tail – she only asks for love, treats and plenty of belly rubs in return," says Hawaiian Humane Society.

Ember 5 6 2025

Adopt-a-Pet May 6, 2025: Let Ember warm your heart

"This handsome boy’s smile is brighter than the sun," says Hawaiian Humane Society.

El Pollo 5 5 2025

Adopt-a-Pet May 5, 2025: Say hello to El Pollo, 'the life of the party'

This 4-year-old Terrier mix is eager to keep learning and add to his repertoire.

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Adopt-a-Pet May 2, 2025: Ralphie knows tricks like 'sit'

Miracle is a 42-pound, 5-year-old Hound mix, who is sweet and affectionate with everyone she encounters.

Miracle 5 1 2025

Adopt-a-Pet May 1, 2025: Miracle is resilient and curious

Kau'i Boy is "a 4-year-old pup with a big heart and an even bigger love for adventure," MHS said.

Kaui boy 1

Adopt-a-Pet April 30, 2025: Kau'i Boy, the explorer, from Maui Humane Society

According to Hawaiian Humane Society, this pup will keep you entertained with his hilarious zoomies to show you just how happy he is — tail-wagging and all.

Engky 4 30 2025

Adopt-a-Pet April 30, 2025: Engky has an 'endless zest for life'

This cuddly American Pit Bull Terrier mix is up for adoption at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Mōʻiliʻili Campus.

Mama Mia 4 29 2025

Adopt-a-Pet April 29, 2025: Take a chance on Mama Mia

"He’s a smart pup who thrives on treats while learning new skills," says Hawaiian Humane Society.

Bam Bam 4 25 2025

Adopt-a-Pet April 28, 2025: BamBam, who loves beach days

"Like his namesake, Burger is extremely food-motivated," says the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Burger 4252025

Adopt-a-Pet April 25, 2025: Pup named Burger loves to eat

Meet your ultimate companion, Jeffrey, at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Mōʻiliʻili Campus, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jeffrey 4 24 2025

Adopt-a-Pet April 24, 2025: Joyful Jeffrey needs a home

Charlie is trained to walk on a leash and has a blast running free in the yard. MHS is looking for an ‘ohana that will show Charlie the kind, patient love he's been waiting for.

Charlile

Adopt-a-Pet April 23, 2025: How sweet is chocolate-eared Charlie from Maui Humane Society

If you’re looking for a loyal and loving companion, she can’t wait to meet you at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili.

Farrah 04 23 2025

Adopt-a-Pet April 23, 2025: Farrah, a calm and cool lab

<title>Adopt a Pet</title>

Princess of Genovia is Maui Humane Society's Pet of the Week. Learn more about this playful pup with a royal personality.

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Adopt a Pet

Adopt-a-Pet May 6, 2025: Let Ember warm your heart

Adopt-a-Pet May 5, 2025: Say hello to El Pollo, 'the life of the party'

Adopt-a-Pet May 2, 2025: Ralphie knows tricks like 'sit'

Adopt-a-Pet May 1, 2025: Miracle is resilient and curious

Adopt-a-Pet April 30, 2025: Kau'i Boy, the explorer, from Maui Humane Society

Adopt-a-Pet April 30, 2025: Engky has an 'endless zest for life'

Adopt-a-Pet April 29, 2025: Take a chance on Mama Mia

Adopt-a-Pet April 28, 2025: BamBam, who loves beach days

Adopt-a-Pet April 25, 2025: Pup named Burger loves to eat

Adopt-a-Pet April 24, 2025: Joyful Jeffrey needs a home

Adopt-a-Pet April 23, 2025: How sweet is chocolate-eared Charlie from Maui Humane Society

Adopt-a-Pet April 23, 2025: Farrah, a calm and cool lab