The San Francisco Giants will sell puka shell necklaces — just like the ones the former Waipahu High star wears, in honor of his late mother — on the days that Williams pitches.

Williams, who is 5-2 with a 2.82 earned-run average, will start today against Pittsburgh.

Proceeds from the $10 necklaces will go to non-profit organizations that provide mammograms, surgeries and treatment to uninsured women with breast cancer.

"That's perfect," Williams said. "That's what my mom had. She would be real happy."

The bond between Hawai'i and San Francisco has always been strong, and now it's getting stronger with the presence of Williams.

"I had a feeling something like that would happen, sooner or later, either this year or next year," Williams said. "It's a good thing."

He still considers it "crazy" though about some of what he's seen.

Giants announcer Mike Krukow is famous for telling opposing batters, "grab some pine, meat.'"

"I saw one guy had a sign that said, 'grab some puka shells,' " Williams said, laughing. "That's crazy."

Williams, 21, always dreamed of reaching the major leagues, but he never realized the impact he would have in the stands.

It's not like Pac Bell is covered in Hawaiian shirts — of course, the weather makes it tough for night games — but there should be a few more with today's day game.

"It's weird, I guess I started a trend," Williams said. "Puka shells? Who would have thought about doing something like that?"

In his last start, the Cincinnati Reds requested Williams take off the necklace after the second inning. Williams wasn't thrilled, but had no choice.