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Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea mugshot and action image
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Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea mugshot and action image

Former University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa defensive lineman Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea is the recipient of the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s HERO of the Year award.

HERO of the Year finalists are student-athletes who have demonstrated tremendous athletic, academic and leadership skill throughout their collegiate careers, and are HEROES in their own right.

Kema-Kaleiwahea grew up in an abusive adoptive family on Oʻahu with his brother, cousin and three other boys. Once he turned 18, Makani and his now wife (married in 2014), Brianna Summers, made the decision to become the primary caregivers to the young siblings so they would not be separated in the child welfare system, making them the youngest foster parents in the U.S.

Read more about Kema-Kaleiwahea and his award at Hawaiʻi Athletics.

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