An Aina will be coaching football at Damien Memorial School this coming season and beyond.

Damien athletic director Wally Aina, who coached at the school from 1980 to 1993, will be interim coach this season.

His son, Punahou, will take over from the 2009 season.

Wally replaces Brian Derby. Damien principal Mike Weaver said Derby resigned because he couldn't devote the time necessary to build the program. Derby's other commitments included being a Honolulu Fire Department captain, an assistant coach with the Hosei University in Japan and director of his own clinic.

Derby, however, said he resigned because he could not promise the school a long-term commitment when it learned that this coming season might be his last because he had wanted to spend more time coaching in Japan. He said his duties with HFD and his clinics were not issues.

Derby said in his resignation letter that Punahou Aina was one of his recommendations as his replacement.

"Punahou Aina will make a great coach," Derby said. "He's great for the kids."

Derby said he respects the school's decision about wanting a long-term commitment from its coach.

"I'm going to miss Brian," Wally said. "Our kids loved him. ... we just wish him well."

Wally Aina said he would take the post for only a year and then "get my son acclimated. And he's going to take it next year."

Wally Aina said he has no reservations having his son take over.

"I'm very comfortable (with that)," he said. "He coached a lot of years up at 'Aiea (previously) with Wendell Say. I don't know if I can coach him any more than what he learned from Wendell. Maybe he can teach me something."

NEW 'IOLANI COACHES

Chuck Nakoa and Catherine Fuller have been named 'Iolani's boys and girls paddling coaches, respectively.

Nakoa served as an assistant for two years to Brian Yee, who stepped down after 22 years. Fuller has coached paddling at 'Iolani for four years.