It’ll certainly be surreal, inititally, not seeing Dave Shoji on the sidelines coaching the University of Hawaii Wahine volleyball this fall; he’s been there throughout 42 years as head coach. Instead, get used to seeing Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, who begins her inaugural year as head coach after Shoji retired after last season.

Fans can help support the launch of this new era, with season-ticket sales now underway: online at hawaiiathletics.com, at the Les Murakami Stadium box office, or by calling 956-4482. The season opens Aug. 25 against Marquette in the Chevron Rainbow Wahine Invitational.

Looking for a great Kamehameha

We are looking forward to seeing who will be cast in the role of Kamehameha the Great — and all the other major Native Hawaiian roles — in the independent historical epic about Hawaii, “The Islands.”

That’s because those roles will be filled by Native Hawaiian actors, the producer promises. It’s also hoped that their roles will be prominent, and not set dressing for the Hollywood stars, as typically happens.

Even though the film begins and ends with the influence of non-Hawaiians — from Capt. James Cook’s arrival to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani — it’s still Hawaii’s story. It should be told by Hawaiians.