LIHUE » It had been a while since Kauai mayor Bernard Carvalho stood inside a Hawaii huddle.

A UH offensive lineman in the early 1980s, Carvalho again found himself surrounded by Warriors when head coach Greg McMackin asked him to address the team before yesterday's scrimmage at Vidinha Stadium.

“;I was telling them how I want them to understand how their presence here is so important for Kauai and the example they're setting,”; Carvalho said. “;And then I said, 'I want you guys to know all the things I learned in football I apply as mayor.'

“;The challenges, the obstacles, the different things that happen, it all applies. The big thing is being prepared, be ready.”;

Carvalho played alongside UH athletic director Jim Donovan during their college careers and the duo again worked in concert to bring the Warriors to Kauai for the first time in nearly two decades.

“;I told him, 'Just get here and once you touch down it's our kuleana,' “; Carvalho said. “;From the buses to the water, to the tents, to the food, to the field, the officials, everything.”;

The Warriors visited Maui for a scrimmage last year and Carvalho said seeing the team up close serves as motivation for the youngsters in the crowd with college aspirations.

“;I look forward to more—volleyball, basketball, softball, any other sports,”; Carvalho said. “;We should get a rotation of sports to the neighbor islands. It's critical for all.”;

Playing politics

Gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie was also at Vidinha Stadium, where he watched the scrimmage before heading to Maui for a meeting.

He said if elected he would want to give UH control of Aloha Stadium. A stadium authority board that answers to the state legislature runs the stadium, and UH does not receive funds for concessions sold during Warriors games.

“;If you're going to be Division I, be Division I,”; Abercrombie said.

Abercrombie also repeated his stance against the BCS bowl system.

Making an impression

Parker Paredes drew praise after making several big hits in the scrimmage. Paredes, the older brother of linebacker Corey Paredes, joined the Warriors as a senior transfer from Southern Oregon and is trying to make the team as a walk-on.

“;It feels good, it's just a blessing to be out here and be part of the team,”; the Kamehameha graduate said.

Back in action

Laupepa Letuli and Brashton Satele saw their first action of the spring while they await word on their futures with the Warriors. They were granted waivers allowing them to practice while their appeals for a sixth year of eligibility are considered by the NCAA.

Neither participated in the scrimmage, but Letuli suited up and worked in drills at right tackle. Satele didn't have pads on, but stepped in at middle linebacker for a few snaps during 7-on-7s.

“;It was nice to watch, but it was kind of hard. I really wanted to get out there,”; Satele said. “;I haven't hit anybody in over a year already.”;

Purcell in attendance

Former UH defensive lineman Mel Purcell attended practice with his wife, former Warriors student manager Marissa (Bonilla).

Mel, who had a stint with the Cleveland Browns, is recovering from ankle surgery and hopes to find his way into an NFL camp.

Marissa is student activities coordinator at Kauai High School and advisor of several programs, including one for college prep students.