MidWeek: Kanikapila To Pay Tribute To Gabby In Waimanalo

Jul. 30, 2008 – A free concert of Hawaiian music will bring nahenahe sounds to Waimanalo Beach Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 in a Gabby Pahinui Kanikapila – a tribute to the revered musician known for his slack key and steel guitar playing.
He often was heard at similar jam sessions at his Waimanalo home. In keeping with that spirit, the August concert will have plenty of entertainment.
Headliners include James “Bla” Pahinui and Hukipau, Martin Pahinui with George Kuo and Aaron Mahi, and Cyril Pahinui with the new Pahinui Hawaiian Band. Many others are expected to perform such as Jerry Santos, Robi Kahakalau, Palani Vaughn, Makaha Sons, Sonny Lim, Melveen Leed, Kuuipo Kamakahi, Pali, Owana Salazar, Bill Kaiwa, Nina Kealiiwahamana, Makana, Kenneth Makuakane and Pandanus Club.
“There will be tents and tables set up for the kupuna, and others should bring their own chairs and a beach umbrella for shade,” said Michael Hikalea, who is coordinating the concert with the Pahinui ohana, supported by a $5,000 city grant. Hikalea is chairman of the Hui Malama I Ke Kai Foundation.
“This event benefits all 20 or so community organizations that are having booths with educational outreach,” added Hikalea, noting that food, soft drinks and crafts also are planned. Among the exhibitors are the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Habitat for Humanity and Hui Malama I Ke Kai.
Among his many achievements, Pahinui was an original member of Eddie Kamae’s Sons of Hawaii group. “Gabby had an original way about him,” Kamae recalled. “He had a sense of humor, and he liked to stir things up.”
Pahinui passed away in 1980 at the age of 59. He worked for 14 years for the city, which also named the Waimanalo Beach Park pavilion after him. After he died, local music sessions were held a few times to celebrate his life, eventually becoming the Kiho’alu Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at larger venues.
For booth information, call 722-8575, e-mail haunani1@mac.com or log onto http://www.cyrilpahinui.com.
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