As it turned out, Kimo Makaula's football dream was within affordable-driving distance.

Makaula, who will be a senior at Punahou School, yesterday accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors.

"It was a dream for me," said Makaula, who will compete at defensive end at UH. "Since I was young, I wanted to play for the Warriors."

Makaula had received interest from several schools.

"It didn't matter where he went," said his father, James Makaula. "We still would have traveled there. This decision makes it totally a lot simpler."

Makaula played quarterback for Punahou last season. He worked out at that position during the UH Coaches' Skills Camp last week.

But at 6 feet 3 and 225 pounds, Makaula projects as a quick pass-rusher.

"Coach (Greg) McMackin said he feels more comfortable with me there," said Makaula, who plans to be a two-way player at Punahou this season.

Makaula said he has "always been a UH fan. I went to pretty much all of the games. Last season was great, and I'm excited that coach Mack is the head coach."

He said he was inspired when McMackin addressed the campers last week. He also said he received positive feedback in e-mail exchanges.

"After speaking to coach Mack, he made me feel that Hawai'i is my home, and playing for Hawai'i is what I wanted to do. ... I know coach Mack will have a good team this year. I'm excited for that."

James Makaula said: "He wants to be part of the program and what they're trying to do. They're moving in a positive direction."

Makaula is the third prospect to commit to UH in the past 10 days. Earlier, UH received pledges from wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann of Saint Louis School and quarterback Corey Nielsen of Gahr High in California.

2009 OPENER SET

Central Arkansas and UH have reached agreement to play each other in the 2009 season opener at Aloha Stadium.

The game will be played on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, and the kickoff will be either 7 or 7:30 p.m. to accommodate the work schedule of the many fans.

"I'm happy to be playing our first game next year at home," UH coach Greg McMackin said. "I know Jim (Donovan, UH's athletic director) called a lot of teams, and Central Arkansas stepped up to the plate. They're going to be a good team to open with. I have a lot of respect for their program."