---

‘Uncle David’ Nuuhiwa dies
the morning of his tribute

About 100 guests turned out at Duke's Waikiki Friday afternoon for the spot's 12th anniversary. The event was supposed to be a tribute for "Uncle David" Nuuhiwa Sr., 83, a renowned surfer, healer, and martial arts expert, suffering from cancer. Sadly, he died Friday morning and a celebration of his life was held instead. On hand were Melody and Michael Adams, David's daughter and son-in-law. Michael Garrett of the Hawaiian Surf Club of San Onofre flew in from California with "Uncle David" T-shirts donated by Quiksilver. Proceeds from T-shirt sales go to the Nuuhiwa family. Other guests included "Aunty" Esther Westmoreland, old-time Waikiki beachboys and Jeff Apaka. Jeff said that Sunday marks the 45th year of the death of his dad, singer Alfred Apaka. Alfred was the great voice of Hawaii in his day ...

ONWARD: Cynthia Rankin has been named public relations director for Hilton Hawaii ... Friends and relatives of David and Debbie Koerner held a farewell dinner for them at Dixie Grill last Wednesday. Debbie donated a kidney to David in October. Both are doing well and are ready to relocate in Debbie's home state of North Carolina ... Happy birthday to Linda Fujioka, one of the best alterationists around, who celebrated Sunday ...

Legendary Dave Brubeck, others back Aaron Mahi

sour notes: The attack on Aaron Mahi by band members and others who did not want him reappointed as Royal Hawaiian Band maestro took me completely by surprise. Twenty-five of 34 full-time band members signed a petition that went to Mayor Mufi Hannemann, asking him to replace Aaron, who has led the band since 1981. Aaron was not reappointed. But the assault hasn't stopped him from planning a great Hawaiian food menu for the band's annual membership meeting and party Feb. 5 at the Shriners' Beach Club in Waimanalo. It could be Aaron's last supper with the band. I am sorry Aaron was not reappointed. So are many other people, judging from the many letters to the editors supporting him. Music legend Dave Brubeck composed a letter that ran in the Jan. 21 Star-Bulletin. After praising Aaron and writing that he "had the privilege" of working with him, Brubeck closed with: "I respectfully ask the mayor and all interested citizens to reconsider his recent drastic decision and give Aaron Mahi an open and fair hearing. That is more in the aloha spirit of Hawaii" ...

---