Raiders' Wong keeps heart in Waimanalo
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
A popular bumper sticker reads: "London, Paris, New York, Waimanalo."
Hauoli Wong, who is attending the Super Bowl as a member of the Oakland Raiders' practice squad, embraces Waimanalo's place among the world's special places.
"I love it there," said Wong, a Kailua High graduate who lives there during the offseason. "You know what they say: You can take the boy out of Waimanalo, but you can't take Waimanalo out of the boy."
Wong, an offensive lineman, played for the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles before he was signed to the Raiders' practice squad in August. But he was cut in early December when the Raiders needed to replace injured defensive backs. Three weeks ago, he was asked to rejoin the Raiders.
Wong is included in the Raiders' travel party.
He participated in practices and is treated like any other member of the active roster. He said he will be on the sidelines today.
If the Raiders defeat Tampa Bay today, he will receive a championship ring and full share of the winning payout.
"It's great to be part of this, but I hope next time I can play in the game," he said.
The Raiders plan to offer Wong a contract for next season.
Wong's wife, Celeste, and their two children stay in Waimanalo during the NFL season. He said he will return there this week.
"Hey, I'm a local guy," he said.
Wong also said he still roots for the University of Hawai'i football team.
Wong was at UH for two years, but left during the first week of training camp in 1996 because of a fallout with Fred vonAppen, the first-year head coach at the time. Wong transferred to Brigham Young.
"It was something I had to do for myself," he said. "It wasn't easy to leave a place I loved, but I had to do it. I hope people understand.
"I know some people felt remorse and animosity, but it was something I had to do."
The move actually proved to be beneficial to UH.
Wong's replacement was Kaulana Noa, who went on to start 49 consecutive games, a school record for a position player.
Wong and Noa are close friends, as well as football teammates in Europe two years ago.
"I went to BYU, but Hawai'i is where my heart is," Wong said. "I'll always be a Warrior."
