In the Land Down Under, where football is soccer, Brandt Honda was indeed a one-in-a-million University of Hawai'i football fan.

Through the Internet and relatives on Maui, Honda, 12, knew of quarterback Colt Brennan, the haka and the Warriors' family atmosphere.

Now Honda is officially part of the Warriors' family as the hanai son of assistant coach Rich Miano and Lori Bennett.

"I really love it here," said Honda, who moved from Australia three weeks ago to live with Miano, Bennett and their son, 7-year-old Kupa'a.

In the spring, Miano was invited to Australia to serve as guest of honor for the Gridiron National Championship festivities. Miano and Bennett met Honda, who spoke of his passion for the Warriors.

"The kid was so amazed at Colt Brennan and Hawai'i football," Miano recalled.

Honda also became good friends with Kupa'a. Honda expressed a strong interest in moving to Hawai'i. At the end of the 10-day trip, an improbable idea was hatched: Would Honda like to live with Miano and Bennett in Hawai'i?

"He comes from a big family," Bennett said. "The family wanted to give him more opportunities by having him live with us."

Miano said: "I thought there's no way this 12-year-old is going to leave his family, his six siblings, and come to Hawai'i with us. They're very strong in the Mormon faith. The next thing I know is he's on a plane and living with the Mianos. We're very excited to have him."

Honda, who was wearing a San Diego Chargers' jersey yesterday, and Kupa'a are inseparable, attending every UH practice. They will attend the same private school in Kaimuki this year.

Bennett said they and the Hondas have joint custody: "They have legal, we have physical."

The plan is for Honda to live in Hawai'i through high school. He will visit Australia frequently.

"My little guy," Miano said of Kupa'a, "lights up our lives. But there are times you wish he had a sibling. Maybe that will happen sometime soon. But in the interim, he enjoys having an older brother who has the same likes as he does, which is education and sports. It's wonderful. The little guy has a lot of friends in the neighborhood, but it's good to have somebody he can be around."

Honda said he enjoys being around his football heroes every day. The only drawback is the summer weather is "a lot hotter than in Australia."

During practices, Honda will roam from station to station. After practices, he will play catch with Kupa'a and conditioning coach Mel deLaura's sons.

"In Australia, football is not even on the radar," Miano said. "But for some reason, this family loves Hawai'i football. His family wanted this opportunity to be around (UH football) and go to school in Hawai'i."

Miano said Honda is a "smart kid. It's a wonderful opportunity for my son to have a big brother to learn from and go to football games with."

Miano said Honda and Kupa'a already treat each other like blood brothers.

"So far they get along," Miano said. "They'll fight like brothers eventually. But that in itself is a learning experience: to share and not be jealous of what other people have, and all of those other things you learn in life by having brothers and sisters."

BESS, SATELE AILING

Slotback Davone Bess did not compete in contact drills yesterday morning because of tightness in his back. He worked out during yesterday's afternoon practice .

"It's nothing, dog," Bess said. "It's minor."

Starting left guard Hercules Satele skipped contact drills because of flu-like symptoms.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.