It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Kahuku Sugar Mill gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Kahuku, HI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! ”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions”
“The best professional service!!!!”
“I love how office workers are reachable, friendly & helpful. I would love to get a service for them in the future. I worked here as a NA for almost 6 months already and this is the best agency out of 4 agencies I been to. They have a very efficient schedule, good team work, and appreciates or value their workers. I’m proud to say I’m part of this team.”
“After years of refusing In-home Care due to cost, My dad finally agreed to try Always Best Care to take him to see his doctors. At 95, my dad is not an easy person to get along with let alone for a stranger to be with him for a few hours and transporting him, with his walker, to and from the hospital. My dad just called and he is thrilled with his caretaker Madeleine for her kind attitude and helpfulness. I'm relieved that he has found a trusted person that can take him to see his doctors. I began talking to Ernel, the manager, about two months ago regarding this type of service for my dad and we stayed in touch. Ernel was always friendly and professional and was able to get Madeleine for my dad in very short notice. Tita, the administrator, followed up with all the contracts and statements and I'm now enrolled into their online system. Overall, the 5 star rating is well deserved. Aging is not fun. Watching my dad struggle with his daily routine is difficult. Having good people around like Always Best makes it a bit easier for the both of us. Thank you.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot. I have good service from them that improves my health.”
“I am a current client of this provider With my dad's everyday needs, especially bathing they have helped. They are easy to work with, get ahold of, and communicate with us well. The people they sent have been good.”
“Tyler and his team are great! Love working with them.”
“After hiring the services of Always Best Care for approximately 70 consecutive days, I wanted to give the company a detailed review. I can honestly say I unequivocally and without hesitation, would recommend Always Best Care as a home health care agency. A vast majority of the caregivers are very conscientious and punctual. The company keeps our family very well informed via their "Family Room" function on their website. The administration and office staff are very thorough and meticulous. Special recognition to office staff (Marina, Abby, and Tita). A+++ company!!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have helped me in caring for my uncle while I get more time to do my other affairs. I know he is in the best care and really appreciate their services.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“The worker was professional,,caring and punctual.”
“The new care we have is the best one I could ever ask for!! She cares so much for my husband and is always there when he needs her to be. She is truly a angel that was sent to me by your company and I thank you so much for hiring her!! Aloha Jeff & Freda Pohaku”
“My aunt has been living in a nursing home for the last five years. In the last year however, we have seen her health and cognitive abilities slowly decline. A social worker asked us to seek extra help from a home care agency to provide additional caregivers due to her growing needs. They provided our family with some options, but in the end, highly recommended Always Best Care. We asked other residents in the facility who were also using ABC, and they too recommended the agency . My aunt has been so pleased with her caregivers and we appreciate the entire staff at ABC. Their communication is outstanding, caregivers are compassionate and reliable and they always go out of their way to accommodate our changing needs. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Highly skilled, reliable and loving caregivers. They are the only agency to provide consistent care for my dad who is receiving VA benefits.”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“We feel very blessed to have found Always Best Care! Tyler and his staff are very helpful, caring and pleasant to work with. I love that they can be reached 24/7 and are quick to find a caregiver for my sweet 90 year old mother, even at the last minute! True to their name, they always give their best care! I highly recommend you check them out! ????”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“Thank you Always Best Care for being a trusted parter with our transportation company. Looking forward to working with you and the wonderful team at ABC in the many years to come.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“I am a current client of this provider She will clean and she cooks. I like that the caregiver is on time and she completes her job.”
“Best home care agency so far! My dad is a was veteran who has been receiving in home care for awhile now. Our past experiences with other agencies have always been inconsistent. It's been difficult finding an agency who can provide experienced and reliable caregivers. However, the VA introduced us to Always Best Care about 6 months ago. Since then, we have been so pleased with the services they've provided. The office staff are so accessible and easy to talk to and the caregivers are second to none. They really enjoy their work and love working for the company. This really says a lot about ABC as a company, who treats their employees well. We feel safe and in good hands.”
“Always Best Care has been caring for my husband for almost a year now. The caregivers are so companionate, respectful and extremely reliable. The office staff are wonderful to work with. They stay in constant communication with my family and are always willing to go above and beyond what they are required to do. I recommended ABC to many of my friends and family members. Thank you!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When we needed their service, Marcus was able to get us set up right away. Their caregivers provide my mom with excellent care. They help her with task around the house, meal prep, exercise, etc. Their staff is very friendly and accommodating. My mom looks forward to seeing them every day. I know my mom is good hands with Always Best Care.”
“Staff was very professional and considerate of my needs. Response time and answering my questions was timely. The services are very affordable. I recommend you contact them at the earliest opportunity to get a medical professional assigned to you & confirmed. I had no issues with them here.”
“The best professional service!!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kahuku District Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Seven Brothers - Kahuku "At the Mill" or visit Opana Radar Site Memorial, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Kahuku, HI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Kahuku, HI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Kahuku, HI 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BJ Beatty’s welcome-to-the-league moment was lost in translation.In one of the first games of a 10-year playing career in the X-League, Japan’s semi-professional American gridiron football organization, the former Kahuku High and University of Colorado defensive end did what he did best: He kept coming.Beatty eluded blockers and collided with the opposing team’s poor running back so hard that the ball-carrier’s cleats hit the back of Beatty’s helmet. The referee threw a penalty on the hit — a...
BJ Beatty’s welcome-to-the-league moment was lost in translation.
In one of the first games of a 10-year playing career in the X-League, Japan’s semi-professional American gridiron football organization, the former Kahuku High and University of Colorado defensive end did what he did best: He kept coming.
Beatty eluded blockers and collided with the opposing team’s poor running back so hard that the ball-carrier’s cleats hit the back of Beatty’s helmet. The referee threw a penalty on the hit — a brutal but probably legal collision back stateside. Beatty, who was in the country just a matter of weeks playing for the Chiba-based Obic Seagulls in 2012, could not understand. All he knew in Japanese was his number.
Seagulls teammate Kevin Jackson, a former University of Hawaii defensive lineman who was proficient with the language, told him that the ref said his hit was too violent. Beatty was dumbfounded.
“I told (Jackson), ‘Well, I guess they're gonna have to get used to me because I honestly don't know how to play any other way,’” Beatty recalled with a chuckle.
Whether Japan got used to Beatty or Beatty got used to Japan is a matter of perspective. He is still there, now a full-time defensive line coach with another of the X-League’s elite teams, the Kanagawa-based Fujitsu Frontiers. His younger brother Bronson is there as a player after playing alongside BJ on the Seagulls for five years.
He is fluent in Japanese. He married a Japanese woman and they have three children that they raise in the greater Tokyo area, with occasional trips back to Hawaii to visit Beatty’s family on Oahu’s North Shore.
Beatty is one of two X-League coaches from Hawaii currently in the league, but local players have ventured there in numbers since the early 2010s, looking for any opportunity to keep playing ball short of the NFL or CFL. His spot opened up when former UH D-lineman Karl Noa finished up his time in Japan. David Stant, a family friend who went on to become Kamehameha football coach, helped convince him that Japan was a viable option to extend his playing career.
Before that, he didn’t know Japanese gridiron existed.
The X-League comprises a group of companies that sponsor teams. They are allowed to have four foreign players on their roster; these Americans are usually quarterbacks or skill position players.
Or, in Beatty’s case, a pass-rushing defensive end. Through Colorado, where he was a All-Pac-12 honorable mention as a senior outside linebacker, he was known for his wild red hair protruding from the back of his helmet. It would arrive on target a split second after Byron Junior — the son of the former Kahuku defensive coordinator of the same name and a nephew of Chris Naeole — laid the wood on some poor soul.
“It wasn’t the NFL, but the fact that I got to play the game I love (in Japan) — I got paid for it and played for as long as I did,” he said. “If you had asked me that in high school, I would’ve laughed at you. Me? No way.”
The league follows NCAA football rules and mirrors the August-to-January season.
Former UH quarterback Inoke Funaki, a fellow Kahuku alum, can attest to Beatty’s relentlessness. The two met soon after Funaki finished his master’s as a graduate assistant at UH. He went to Japan to be a player-coach in 2013, four years after his college career ended. He got a rude welcome.
“BJ was our waterboy when I was playing in high school,” Funaki recalled. “He had long, long red hair. … I would watch him when I was in college, as an all-state high school player, made his way to Colorado, did well … and then (I got) to play against him.
“He's rushing to sack me … and he sacked me several times, even strip-sacked me once. (He) picked it up and ran it back for a touchdown. I just think, ‘this guy used to be my little waterboy, and now he's over here embarrassing me here on the football field out here in Japan.’”
They can laugh about it now. Funaki, now the quarterbacks coach for the defending champion Panasonic Impulse, and Beatty greet each other warmly during season meetings. The most recent was in the Rice Bowl, the X-League’s championship game planned annually at the Tokyo Dome. Panasonic ended Fujitsu’s three-year reign, 34-27, on Jan. 3.
Beatty’s consolation prize was long-term job security. After the season, he was promoted from part-time to full-time Fujitsu assistant coach.
He’d already gone all-in on the game in Japan, doubling up as an assistant with Tokyo University (known in shorthand as Todai) for the Japanese college game. He even formed his own company (DARE, or Determination Attitude Relentless Effort) and taken young Japanese players back to the islands with him for clinics, like in February 2024 at Farrington High, and the cross-cultural experience. But with his promotion, he has set those mostly aside for now.
Beatty was used to standing out from a young age. His bright orange hair, a gift from his maternal grandmother of Irish descent, made blending in difficult.
In Japan, it was like a beacon.
“It was early on when I first (went to) Japan, one of my teammates from his office building on like the 20th story sends me a picture of me walking across the street. I'm literally across the street from his building. He goes, ‘Oh, look, I see you.’”
By that point, it didn’t bother him. He was already cultivating a reputation as a villain in the small but tight-knit Japanese football circles. In practices, he had knocked several teammates out with his hits. Nobody else was playing that hard.
His coaching style mirrors that his time as a player: No half measures. It was an ethos instilled in him at a young age by his father and uncle.
“In the moment, it seemed harsh, but they gave me the tough love that I needed,” Beatty said. “They had high expectations not only of themselves, but me. And they would push me to meet those expectations, if not to go beyond.”
It took him two or three years to get the proper command of Japanese. Now he coaches fully in the language, saving his English for the few times when he needs to rip into somebody.
“To get mad in Japanese doesn’t sound right to me. It sounds too polite,” Beatty said.
Beatty recalled that when Fujitsu approached him for a possible coaching gig a few years ago, the general manager respectfully informed him that he never thought he’d sit down with a player of Beatty’s reputation for rival Obec, a team that had won championships at Fujitsu’s expense.
“He’s like, ‘When you were playing, I mean this in the best way, I hated you,’” Beatty said with a laugh.
To Funaki, that said everything that they were willing to set that aside and bring him in to help.
“He's a big energy guy. So I think the Japanese coaches love it, because that's kind of what they [think] when they imagine American football in America,” Funaki said, “those types of coaches that are very loud, yelling a lot, getting guys hyped up and ready and in the mood for practice or for games. And that's totally BJ’s personality.”
Greater exposure to the American game over the years and perhaps the influence of foreign coaches like Beatty and Funaki have rubbed off over time on the Japanese players, who, with rare exception, hold regular full-time jobs with their companies.
“Now it's awesome because you see guys, they'll lay a huge hit, get up, flex their muscles, pound their chest,” Beatty said.
There are signs the game has grown. UH’s starting placekicker, Kansei Matsuzawa, is a native of Tokyo who taught himself how to kick, came to the States and made it to UH out of Hocking Junior College.
Beatty encouraged local players in Hawaii to broaden their horizons.
“Football, if you use it the right way, man, it’s a great tool for your life,” he said. “It can take you beyond (where) you can ever imagine. I’ve been to multiple countries just because it is game. I’ve met people all around the world, you know, all because of a simple game.”
Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
The 2025 high school football season in Hawai‘i is set to begin with a bang.Teams from across the Islands will begin play on Friday and Saturday night, but no contest offers more intrigue than Saturday night's contest between Kahuku and Saint Louis at Kahuku's Carlton E. Weimer Field at 6:30 p.m.The Red Raiders and Crusaders met in the 2024 HHSAA Open Division championship game, with Saint Louis prevaili...
The 2025 high school football season in Hawai‘i is set to begin with a bang.
Teams from across the Islands will begin play on Friday and Saturday night, but no contest offers more intrigue than Saturday night's contest between Kahuku and Saint Louis at Kahuku's Carlton E. Weimer Field at 6:30 p.m.
The Red Raiders and Crusaders met in the 2024 HHSAA Open Division championship game, with Saint Louis prevailing 17-10 at the University of Hawai‘i's Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The win for Saint Louis snapped a streak of three straight titles for Kahuku, giving head coach Tupu Alualu a state championship in his debut season at the helm.
In March, Sterling Carvalho was removed as coach for the Red Raiders, ending a tenure as head coach that began in 2018. A legal battle ensued, including a full day in O‘ahu Circuit Court on July 28.
On Aug. 1, the motion from Carvalho's team seeking an immediate return to the Kahuku sidelines was denied. While Carvalho's legal team, led by attorney Eric Seitz, will continue to seek a return to coaching, the Red Raiders enter the 2025 season with Nihoa Pule as the team's head coach.
Meanwhile, in an Aug. 2 scrimmage at Farrington, Alualu was involved in an altercation in which a spectator acted aggressively towards the Saint Louis coaching staff. After the spectator charged at Alualu, the two had to be separated from each other.
Despite not having Carvalho at the helm, the Red Raiders still boast a mix of returning and new talent. Cousins Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui committed to UCLA over the summer, while linebacker and USC commit Talanoa Ili is ranked by 247Sports as the top prospect in the state. Ili is a senior and a transfer from Orange Lutheran High School in California, where he was a three-year starter.
Another transfer that has bolstered Kahuku's roster is tight end Kekua "Rhino" Aumua, a Florida commit who transferred in from IMG Academy. Meanwhile, quarterback Matai Fuiava is back for his senior year after transferring to Kahuku from St. John Bosco in California midway through the 2024 season.
Saint Louis is led by a pair of seniors in quarterback Nainoa Lopes and offensive lineman Kamo‘i Huihui-White, both of whom have committed to California. Additionally, senior cornerback Jahren Altura committed to Hawai‘i over the summer.
Kahuku and Saint Louis also opened the 2024 season against each other at Kahuku, with the Red Raiders escaping with a 14-13 victory on Aug. 10, 2024.
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Christian Shimabuku can be reached at [email protected].
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii high school football returns on Friday with a big slate of games this weekend, including a rematch of last season’s state championship game.Nine months ago, Saint Louis hoisted the Koa Head trophy for the first time in five years.“This year is a different journey but we’re going back for the same thing,&rd...
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii high school football returns on Friday with a big slate of games this weekend, including a rematch of last season’s state championship game.
Nine months ago, Saint Louis hoisted the Koa Head trophy for the first time in five years.
“This year is a different journey but we’re going back for the same thing,” said Saint Louis defensive end Kona Acedillo.
They will have to try and repeat their victory without all-state running back Titan Lacaden, who found a home right down the road in lower Manoa as a University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior.
“Titan is a very, very good player. You don’t replace him; you just play as a team again,” said Saint Louis quarterback Nainoa Lopes.
Even though Lopes committed to Cal Berkeley over the summer, he’s still fighting for the QB1 spot.
Found a home at Cal Football! Mahalo to Coach Harsin & Coach Wilcox for believing in me ???? I would also like to thank every other coach that has offered me a spot and shown interest in me thru my recruitment, I am very grateful for every opportunity! GO BEARS! pic.twitter.com/RPad1JWq8h
— Nainoa Lopes 3?? QB (@NainoaLopes) June 17, 2025
“It’s up to our coaches, you know either one is fine with me,” said Saint Louis offensive lineman Kamoi Huihui-White.
Head coach Tupu Alualu added, “It’s not about Nainoa or Mose. It’s about the whole team; it’s about the staff, it’s about the whole school.”
Being a part of the brotherhood just means more for Alualu, who strives to carry on the culture built decades prior by Cal and Ron Lee.
“I came here and I got an opportunity to be the head coach, and I didn’t want to just be a head coach, I wanted to make sure I gave back,” he said.
On Saturday, the Crusaders will have to open the season at Kahuku High School, one of the toughest environments in all of high school football.
“Just for the kids to get back to peace of mind, normalcy, I guess you would call it,” said Kahuku head coach Nihoa Pule.
Also known as Coach Hawaiian, Pule has stepped into the position after the dismissal of Sterling Carvalho.
He’s been with the program for over a decade and spent the last four years as the defensive coordinator.
Pule says nothing brings the North Shore community together quite like Kahuku football.
“That’s one of our main things, making sure we don’t lose at home because everyone comes out. I mean you guys have been around town where everything’s shut down,” said Pule.
Ready to put on a show and debut a new offense is senior quarterback Matai Fuiava, who transferred late last year.
“We want to switch the whole view of Kahuku around. It’s usually all smash mouth football from whenever you think about Kahuku from the past years,” said Fuiava.
The Kahuku and Saint Louis rivalry spans decades with Saturday being another opportunity for fans to see two of Hawaii’s premier programs collide.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Administration is turning over at Kahuku High and Intermediate School after a Hawaii State Department of Education investigation into civil rights complaints.Earlier this week, the DOE announced the retirement of principal Donna Lindsey, and parents are wondering if athletics director Gillian Yamagata will be next after hearing rumors she’s ...
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Administration is turning over at Kahuku High and Intermediate School after a Hawaii State Department of Education investigation into civil rights complaints.
Earlier this week, the DOE announced the retirement of principal Donna Lindsey, and parents are wondering if athletics director Gillian Yamagata will be next after hearing rumors she’s on leave.
The controversy stems from the first girls flag football game in March, where the players alleged they were forced to change out of their uniforms on the field.
Parents say that’s just part of it, and both girls and boys athletes have been affected.
“Soccer is one of them. The sport that everybody caters to is football, but the issue is the locker room is not accessible to all sports at Kahuku,” said Christian Parker, a Kahuku parent, girls basketball coach, and member of Kahuku Movement for Change.
The group is made up of parents, students, coaches and teachers.
“So the girls changing incident is just a small reflection of the school as a whole. There’s been multiple, multiple teachers, staff members that have confirmed that for gym classes and physical education classes, they don’t have a bathroom to change,” said Parker.
Before that controversy, things had already reached a boiling point after head football coach Sterling Carvalho was dismissed.
Kahuku Movement for Change rallied for a change in administration.
Hawaii News Now asked the DOE if Yamagata was on leave and under investigation. A spokesperson said the department couldn’t comment, so we sent the AD an email.
We got an out of office reply saying she will have limited access to her emails and will reply when she returns. It also leaves a contact for the assistant AD, but doesn’t say when she’ll come back.
The DOE previously confirmed the principal reported the changing incident to the DOE’s Civil Rights Compliance Branch.
Members of Kahuku Movement for Change have done interviews with that office.
“I’m the third interview that is going to be handling a lot of the sports side of everything, and I’m just happy that they are making an effort to clean things up or make things a little bit better,” said Parker.
Meanwhile, the group is still hoping the head football coach will be reinstated.
Three-star tight end Kekua Aumua will finish his high school football career in Hawaii before returning to Florida. According to 247 Sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman, Aumua will play for the Kahuku Red Raiders.While Aumua played for ...
Three-star tight end Kekua Aumua will finish his high school football career in Hawaii before returning to Florida. According to 247 Sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman, Aumua will play for the Kahuku Red Raiders.
While Aumua played for IMG Academy during his junior year, he saw limited minutes in three games for the Ascenders. He now returns to a team that lost to Saint Louis in the Hawaii high school football Open Division state championship game. That defeat ended their season at 9-5, which includes a 5-2 mark in the Oahu Interscholastic Association.
Despite that defeat, Kahuku will enter the 2025 Hawaii high school football season as the top-ranked team, based on the latest Massey Ratings. Kekua Aumua will team up with on offense with quarterback Matai Fuiava, linebacker Malaki Soliai-Tui, cornerback Madden Soliai, and four-star linebacker Talanoa Ili.
Meanwhile, as Aumua leaves Florida for Hawaii, he will return to the Sunshine State as he joins the University of Florida. Aumua will represent the Gators, which he chose over North Carolina, BYU, Washington, Arizona State, Washington State, Auburn, and Hawaii.
With an 87.68 On3 Industry Ranking, Kekua Aumua is a three-star tight end ranked 34th best prospect in his position among incoming high school football seniors. Likewise, his ranking makes him the fourth-best prospect in Hawaii high school football behind Ili, Kamehameha offensive tackle Malakai Lee, and tight end Taimane Purcell.
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