By KEVIN JAKAHI
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Tribune-Herald sports writer
Kamalu Kabalis, the son of UH-Hilo and NAIA volleyball hall of famer Carla Carpenter-Kabalis, was in a motorcycle accident last Tuesday and remains in a coma at Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.
“He’s suffered a brain injury, broken bones, but no spinal injury, which is really good,” Carpenter-Kabalis said from Queen’s.
Her husband, Sodie Kabalis, said his son was wearing a helmet, and was riding home from work at UHH, where he works in security. Kabalis said the family hasn’t seen a full police report yet, and details remain unclear.
Kamalu, 27, graduated from Waiakea High in 2003. He has two children, a daughter, Kymani, 3, and a son, Kamalu Jr. or KJ, 1, with his girlfriend, Christine Masulit. She and his parents remain at his bedside.
“It’s tough. It’s like a parent’s worst nightmare,” Sodie Kabalis said. “It’s like your heart, stomach and lungs are being pulled out of your mouth at the same time. It hurts so much. In the beginning, you’re in shock. You don’t believe it’s really happening. Then you realize it’s real, and all you care about is your son coming back to you.
“That’s what we’re working on right now. It’s a day-to-day kind of deal. Every day, every minute, every second we’re praying for God to come and help him and get better. He does make a few movements with his hands. That’s all positive signs.”
Kamalu is the oldest of Sodie and Carla Carpenter-Kabalis’ five children, who have all played volleyball. The others are Kahala, Kekoa, Kaleinani, and Kuulei. As a senior, Kamalu landed on the All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation first team.
After the accident, which comes on the heels of good news for Kahala, who was named Chaminade’s volleyball coach in December, a bunch of his friends flew over to Oahu to lend support, something Sodie said provided immeasurable comfort to the family.
“All the people praying for us, we love them so much,” he said. “We’re so grateful for all the calls and concerns. When this type of situation happens, everybody bands together to give encouragement. You don’t realize how important that is. You just don’t know until it happens to you. It’s simple, just loving and caring. And tell everybody, that it’s huge.”
Kamalu doesn’t have medical insurance and the volleyball community is rallying around him. The Moku O Keawe regional tournament for the junior girls (15-and-under) and 18-and-under will donate all concession proceeds to the family.
“He’s been working as a security dispatch at UHH over a year and he really likes his job,” Sodie said. “He’s outgoing and helpful, always trying to help other people. If somebody has to do something, he’s like, ‘What can I do for you? I’ll come and help out.’ He’s that kind of guy. He takes care of his kids. He’s a good dad.”
Sodie pointed out that he and Carla have received support from their employers, as well. He works at Kilauea Rehab as an exercise therapist and she is the director of the county’s Wheels on Meals program.
They have a place on Oahu with Carla’s parents, Dante and Olan Carpenter, who live in Moanalua, but spend most of their time in Kamalu’s hospital room.
“Christine is there every night, praying for a miracle from God,” Sodie said. “We’re all praying. I’ll stay as long as I can. Financially, it’s tough. We’re taking it one day at a time, and we plan on being here. It’s really hard. But you’ve got to be positive. That’s what we’re trying to do. All the support has been overwhelming and we’re so appreciative and grateful for that.”