Saying he wanted to focus on his new construction company, Doug Vaioleti will not serve as the color analyst for K5's telecasts of University of Hawai'i football games this season.

"It was really a hard decision, but this is something I have to do," Vaioleti said.

In 2003, Vaioleti succeeded Dick Tomey as K5's lead football analyst. He teamed with play-by-play announcer Jim Leahey for two years; last year, Russell Yamanoha joined the telecast as a third announcer in the booth.

"I thought Doug was doing a fine job," said Dan Schmidt, program director for K5 and its sister station, KHNL News 8. "We were operating under the impression he would work with us this year. I respect any decision he makes."

Vaioleti, who is a general contractor, said he needed to spend more time supervising his new company, Real Builders.

"It was easier when I was working for someone else," Vaioleti said. "The last three years, it was almost a vacation to go on the road. I can't do that now."

Vaioleti, 36, was a starting offensive tackle on the UH team that went 11-2 in 1992, a season punctuated by the surprising victory over Illinois in the Holiday Bowl. Vaioleti was named to the 1992 All-Western Athletic Conference first team.

"I first met him when he was a player, and he always impressed me," Leahey said. "When I was looking for a color analyst who was a former player and was of these Islands, I chose him. I think Doug Vaioleti is one of the most intelligent people I know. Not only is he intelligent, he's a fantastic human being — to his family, to the people around him. I wish him well, and I will miss him in the booth."

Leahey said he has not decided if he will replace Vaioleti.

"I really had a good time," Vaioleti said. "I owe so much to Jim and to K5 and the production crew. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to work with them."

PETERS VOWS TO PLAY

Free safety Leonard Peters, who is suffering from a broken rib cartilage, resumed practicing yesterday.

"I was really, really sore today, but I think every day it will get better," said Peters, a sixth-year senior and tri-captain.

Peters said he feels a constant "sharp" pain. "It feels weird because it feels like (the cartilage) is going to rip through your skin."

He wears heavy wrapping during practices. He said there is no medical procedure that can ease his discomfort.

"It hurts when I run and, oh, yeah, it hurts when I hit," Peters said. "I'm not trying to hit too much in practice. I'm saving it for the game, and let the adrenaline kick in. ... I'm going to play. There's no chance I'm not going to play. You can't keep me out. I would be even more hurt if I'm standing on the sideline."

ELIMIMIAN STILL OUT

Inside linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who has a sprained right knee, did not participate in his fifth consecutive practice.

"He's probably not going to play," UH coach June Jones said. "We'll leave (the decision) to game day."

Brad Kalilimoku and Blaze Soares have practiced at Elimimian's position. Jones said Elimimian, who makes the defensive calls, would be missed.

"He knows where everybody is," Jones said of Elimimian. "He's like a captain of the front seven. You'd like to have him out there."

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