At about 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12, a tsunami watch was issued throughout Hawai'i after an 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan, prompting county and state Civil Defense officials to open emergency operating centers.

Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona had been preparing for another tsunami that night, in the form of the Kamehameha Schools boys basketball team's constant waves of pressure defense. Aiona, in his part-time job, is Saint Louis' assistant coach.

Thankfully, it was determined during pregame warm-ups that there was no imminent threat to Hawai'i, and Aiona could focus his attention on the Warriors' tsunami, which was another problem altogether.

"My security detail kept me abreast of the situation, and luckily everything was OK," Aiona said of the tsunami watch. "They know me pretty well, and they know what to do (if an emergency arises)."

Aiona is in his fifth season of the rare double duty, deftly handling the state government's pressing issues as Gov. Linda Lingle's second-in-command during the day and the Crusaders' guards and defensive schemes as Delbert Tengan's lone assistant by night. Out of the 100 governors and lieutenant governors across the United States, he is the only one coaching a sport at the high school varsity level.

This season, which continues with the Interscholastic League of Honolulu postseason tournament tonight, has been different for Aiona because it will be his final one coaching youngest son Kuli'a, a senior starting guard.

Saint Louis' daily practices and games not only give Aiona a refreshing chance to step away from the political arena but also allow for precious family time for him, wife Vivian and their three other children.

"They're always at all the games," Tengan said of Aiona's family. "Within his busy schedule, basketball gives them family time together."

LIFELONG PASSION

Basketball, however, had been a major part of Aiona's life long before he had a wife and kids.

His father, James, was one of Hawai'i's most well-known referees in the 1960s and '70s and the future lieutenant governor would tag along to watch all the games at the old Civic Auditorium and Honolulu International Center (now Blaisdell Arena).

"That was our life," Aiona said. "I used to watch the (semi-pro) Hawai'i Chiefs at the Civic, and I went to every Rainbow Classic."

He went on to become a starting guard at Saint Louis under legendary coach Walter Wong, then played for the University of the Pacific before returning to the University of Hawai'i for law school.

In 1979, he became an assistant with fellow attorney Rodney Veary to Saint Louis head coach Kaipo Spencer, a former high school teammate.

"We were young, but we were all basketball junkies and we wanted to coach," Aiona said. "I learned a lot, and I did it until 1989, when Ku was born. Then my wife finally said, 'You gotta grow up, you gotta stay home.' "

COMPETITIVE FIRE

In the meantime, Aiona's law career was blossoming. Eventually, when he was up for confirmation as a Circuit Court judge, the issue of his well-known "fiery" demeanor in basketball was raised.

"I told them there's a big difference between the game of life and the game of basketball," Aiona said. "I have a passion for basketball, and I'm competitive, and sometimes I get caught up in that. But I've toned it down, and I think these kids know my bark is louder than my bite."

Senior center Scott Smith said Aiona's vocal coaching style is different from his calm images in the media, but added the team welcomes it.

"That's part of being a coach," Smith said.

When Tengan took over the Crusaders program in 1998, Aiona had just stepped down as judge, so he invited him aboard.

"But when he got elected (in 2002), I thought I would lose him," Tengan said.

But Aiona said he received Lingle's blessing, and the Crusaders — ranked No. 3 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media — have benefitted.

"We feel honored to have the Lt. Governor as our coach," Smith said. "And the fact that he knows a lot about basketball helps, too."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.