Makani’s father is Native Hawaiian. Makani’s mother met him when she travelled to Hawaii after her high school graduation. While Makani is living in Nebraska with Grandma Young, Makani’s father and mother remain in Hawaii and file for divorce. Like Makani’s mother, he’s largely absent from Makani’s life and doesn’t appear to care about her all that much. Grandma Young, a generally level-headed, fair woman, claims he’s a major jerk.