Kai Kaneshiro (left) grabbed his second interception of the season, this time a pick-6 to get the Rainbow Warriors on the scoreboard. Leighland Tagawa | SL

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Kai Kaneshiro (left) grabbed his second interception of the season, this time a pick-6 to get the Rainbow Warriors on the scoreboard. Leighland Tagawa | SL

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HALAWA — Turnovers were still on the menu for the Rainbow Warriors but a fast start to a 28-0 lead helped overcome four giveaways as Hawaii propelled past Central Arkansas, 35-16, Saturday night at Hawaiian Financial FCU Field at Aloha Stadium in a non-conference matchup.

Hawaii's defense came up clutch not only to limit the Bears in recycling the four turnovers into a mere three points, but also by putting up points on the scoreboard.

After quickly driving 42 yards on the opening drive, running back Miles Reed didn't properly secure the hand off and Central Arkansas recovered. Six plays later, the Rainbow Warriors returned the favor and instantly took advantage when Bears quarterback Breylin Smith's low pass was deflected into the hands of defensive back Kai Kaneshiro (Saint Louis '18), who took it back 55 yards for a score.

"Defense kept us in that game," Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich said. "I appreciate the effort of our team and our coaches. It's good to get a win on Homecoming. It's nice to be 3-1 going into conference ... it's a positive for this team right now."

Quarterback Cole McDonald hooked up with JoJo Ward, Jared Smart and Cedric Byrd II for scoring throws of 5, 16 and 13 yards, respectively, to make it a 28-0 game midway through the second quarter.

But Smart also gave the ball away on a muffed punt return with time winding down on the first half as the Bears were able to salvage the opportunity with a field goal to make it 28-9 at halftime.

In the second half, Hawaii again lost the ball on McDonald's ninth interception thrown of the season and on Reed's fumble to make it the fourth lost by a running back this year. Still, the defense was able to hold it down and allowed only one score in the second half.

"One thing I appreciate with Corey (Batoon), Banks (Mark Banker), (Jacob) Yoro and Abe (Elimimian) is they don't allow the defense to feel like, 'oh, poor me.' They take the field with pride. They take the field with energy. They didn't crumble," Rolovich said of coaching the defensive unit. "They deserve a lot of credit, they're seasoned coaches."

True freshman Lincoln Victor closed the game out by bullying his way through three defenders into the end zone after taking a McDonald pass from 11 yards out with 3:27 remaining.

Hawaii will travel to Reno, Nevada to start Mountain West Conference play against the Wolf Pack (3-1 overall) before returning home Oct. 12 to host Boise State (4-0).