Tokuda staying put for now

The rumors keep swirling, but Nolan Tokuda remains in the eye of the storm.

Leilehua’s football coach is officially still in place. Tokuda confirmed yesterday that he has not resigned from the position.

Tokuda and his wife are expecting a child in July.

"It all depends on my wife," said Tokuda, who guided the Mules to a state championship in 2007. They reached the state final in ’04 and ’08.

Longtime defensive coordinator Mark Kurisu is the interim head coach, however.

"I’m letting Mark run it and handle the preparations (for spring football)," Tokuda said, noting that he may use sick leave and go on a leave of absence after their baby is born.

If he takes a year off, Tokuda expects to return the following season.

"I’d definitely be back next year," he said. "We talk about family being first. It’s a chance for me to show this."

The offense will be handled by former JV assistant Al Viloria.

"He was instrumental in developing Mo (Bryant Moniz), Andrew (Manley) and Kenan (Sadanaga)," Tokuda said of Leilehua’s line of prolific passers.

Scanlan-Leite, Ekau honored

St. Joseph boys basketball coach Harry Scanlan-Leite and former Pahoa standout Isaiah Ekau were honored as Big Island sportsperson and athlete of the year for 2010.

The award, presented by Don’s Grill in Hilo, was made last week. Scanlan-Leite, the outgoing Cardinals coach, helped re-establish the basketball program despite dwindling enrollment at the school. He returned to the bench for the state tourney after receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

Ekau, who led Pahoa to a state basketball D-II title in 2010, is currently attending Hawaii Community College. He is planning to transfer to UH-Manoa and play volleyball.

Tulimaseali’i honored

Waianae defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimaseali’i has been named to the first-team defense of the ESPN Rise Sophomore All-American Team.

Tulimaseali’i (6-foot-2, 300) was a first-team selection by coaches and media in the Star-Advertiser Football All-State team last season.