Noted waterman Ayau found
floating lifeless off Waikiki

He is taken to Straub in critical
condition after a surfer sees him

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Well-known waterman Henry Keawe Ayau Jr. was in critical condition yesterday at Straub Clinic & Hospital after he was found floating lifeless in waters off of the Elks Club at 2933 Kalakaua Ave.

At about 4:52 p.m. Wednesday, a surfer discovered Ayau in the water wearing a snorkel and fin, said Dan DeFries, a firefighter at the Wailupe Fire Station.

DeFries and another firefighter, who were both off duty, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Ayau. An automatic external defibrillator was also used on Ayau when a slight pulse was detected.

Paramedics took Ayau to Straub Clinic & Hospital.

Ayau is the head of the host department at Don Ho's Island Grill. Previously, he was vice president and general manager of the restaurant.

Ayau, a 1959 Punahou alumnus, is also known as a well-rounded athlete involved in canoe paddling, diving, spearfishing and surfing.

Friend David Nagaishi described Ayau as "Mr. Aloha."

"He's the ambassador of aloha," Nagaishi said. "If people had as much aloha as Henry, there will be no wars in the world."

Ayau was one of the doormen at Duke's with Lee Afuvai and Adam Suapaia -- all became successful in the club and restaurant business. He is a member of the Outrigger Canoe and Elks clubs.

Ayau was appointed executive vice president of the annual Duke Kahanamoku Hawaiian Surfing Classic in June 1971. He and Kahanamoku were close friends during the latter years of Kahanamoku's life.

Ayau, originally from Molokai, was the vice president and manager of Duke's during the late 1960s. He was also the president of the Molokai Chamber of Commerce.

In September 1983 he was awarded the Winged O by the Outrigger Canoe Club for service to benefit the club's athletic program, an honor Kahanamoku first held in 1966.