Burn an extra stick of incense. Throw some salt. Make a novena. Direct your power prayers and good wishes to Tadd Fujikawa, because he's going to need it.

Not because of his age or his height or experience. Not because of the self-defeating nature of golf or the psychological resilience required of any athlete.

Pray for Tadd because we need him to do well. He's carrying the hopes of his homeland with him, and though those stout shoulders seem sturdy enough for the load, having the bunch of us right in his ear yelling and cheering and second-guessing him every step of the way can be hard on even the hardiest.

Hawai'i needs a hero. We've tried again and again to anoint a superstar, only to have our hopes dashed as each broke under the strain or faded under the pressure. And with the passing of Don Ho, we are even more desperate to find a successor, an heir to the "This is who we are" title, a representative of us guys.

Jasmine Trias did not become our Kelly Clarkson, and though she continues to strive and has not had to resort to selling time shares or flipping burgers, we've tacitly retracted our crazed adoration.

The Little League World Series Champs from 'Ewa Beach went back into their everyday lives after placating us with numerous appear- ances where they looked uncomfortable with celebrity.

Michelle Wie? Win or lose, she doesn't quite feel like one of us, the common folk who buy shorts at Ross and eat 7-Eleven musubi in the car for breakfast and have "nice slippers" for dress-up occasions. She has the carriage of the elite, the pout of the upper class, the ennui of someone who doesn't have to sweat the co-payment at Pali Longs pharmacy.

Part of what makes Tadd such a perfect "son of Ha-wai'i" are his salt-of-the-earth parents. What Hawai'i dad didn't feel a stab in the heart to hear Derrick Fujikawa admit he couldn't afford to pay for his son's golf education? What mother didn't tear up to hear Lori say, "But we don't want to hold him back"? The look on her face told the story — she had to fight that maternal instinct to hold her boy close and keep him safe from anything that might hurt. Golf might hurt.

The Fujikawas are us. No, actually, they are how we'd like to see ourselves: Scrappy and earnest; hardworking and determined; blessed and humble; not without fear, but having enough fortitude to try even though they're afraid.

Hawai'i needs Tadd Fujikawa to reach his full potential. We need to know that someone from here can break through in a big way. Hopefully, that will be a source of strength for him and his family, and not an obligation or burden.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.