Officials with the University of Hawaii Army ROTC program said the kayaker found over the weekend off of Mokulua Islands was Sione Lefao, a cadet in the program.

Lefao, of American Samoa, was remembered during a gathering of fellow cadets earlier today at the university. 

"It was a pretty emotional morning," said Capt. Jesus Cruz, assistant professor of military science and enrollment officer of the program. 

Lefao was kayaking Saturday afternoon with a group of friends that made it to Mokulua Islands off of Lanikai Beach in Kailua. Honolulu Fire Capt. Robert Main said they were resting on rocks when a rogue wave swept Lefao and a friend into the water. Lefao’s friend swam back to the island.

Friends searched for Lefao without success. Fire rescue responded at 6:08 p.m. The Coast Guard assisted in the search.

His body was located yesterday by fire rescue crews in the ocean off of Mokulua Islands.