Robert Kekaula (pictured, below with sisters) has a local boy ease on-air that not many other reporters possess.

Known for his in-depth knowledge of athletics and relaxed, unpretentious style of speaking, Robert has been one of Hawaii’s favorite sportscasters for the past 15 years.

How did you become interested in sports reporting?

"I was 5-years-old, watching a wrestling and roller derby. The television host was having a ball, going crazy, and playing around. I asked my grandpa if the guy got paid, and he said yes. Watching that show was the first time I saw someone earning money and having fun."

"The beauty of the job is that everyday is different. Sometimes I come in at 3 a.m., sometimes at 3 p.m. I spend a lot of time deciding what viewers will find interesting and figuring out how much time will be spent for each story. I try to get the work done as fast as possible so I can play afterwards: go through satellite feeds, make phone calls to touch bases, and do all my editing."

What is the most important thing you've learned on that job?

"Early on, Don Robbs taught me, 'Do not get confused. It's the job and not me that makes it [sports reporting] what it is.'

It means never get caught up in the hype about it being about me. Actual opportunities of the job are not about you. Don't fall in love with yourself because you can't please everybody."

Life beyond reporting on KITV 4 keeps Robert very busy. His interests extend to music, his two children and "boy toys." Boy toys?

"Harley Davidsons, Play Station2 (favorite game-Madden), etc., etc."

Most of the time, if Robert isn’t working on projects or booking gigs for bands under his label, he is spending time with his children, Tiera and Shayde (pictured below).

What does it mean to be a dad for you?

"Of everything I do, that's my most important job. After growing up and seeing life fall into place, I realized that any man can be a father, but not every man can be a dad. Nothing can compare to being a dad. There is no better feeling than having two of your own kids' say, 'Daddy can you help me.' No better feeling."

One of Robert's most prominent characteristics is his lighthearted personality that stems from his belief that "there is something funny and humorous in every situation. No matter how good, sad, or bad anything is, there's always something funny to look at…nothing has ever been so bad that I couldn't laugh at it later."

In the future, Robert hopes to make a difference in either politics or education. Being a sports news reporter has given Robert so many opportunities to do things and to go places that he only hopes to allow others to have the same experiences he has had. Those who get to know Robert will surely gain a new perspective on life and a wealth of knowledge.