Popular film worker dies
of cancer at 36

Lamond Kanohookalani Kanakaole, 36, considered an ambassador of aloha in Hawaii's film and TV industry, died June 23 in Kaiser Medical Center from complications of cancer.

Kanakaole was a valued utility worker on film, television, commercial and concert productions whom "we could always go to for help, and he jumped into whatever it was with a smile on his face," said Angie Laprete, a local production executive. Kanakaole most often worked as a production and locations assistant.

Kanakaole was born in Honolulu. After graduating from McKinley High School in 1987, he worked on the Ali'i Kai Catamaran and met his future wife, Dana Fonseca, a hula dancer aboard the ship. The couple married May 1, 1993.

At the suggestion of father-in-law Daniel Fonseca Sr., Kanakaole joined the Carpenters Union and became a drywall hanger. When the industry slowed, local production executive Irish Barber got Kanakaole into the film industry.

Kanakaole's engaging personality was in full display at his first entertainment job in January 1998 when worked on the 100 Year Celebration Pepsi Convention on the Big Island featuring the Rolling Stones, Ray Charles and others. Among the 4,000 attendees were former President George H.W. Bush and wife Barbara.

After his speech, the former president and his wife stood backstage encircled by secret servicemen. Kanakaole wanted to have his photo taken with them, so he yelled, "Hey, Mr. President. I was wondering if I could get a picture with you." Bush smiled, agreed and had his wife join them.

Kanakaole was diagnosed in 1999 with an inoperable malignant neuro-endocrine tumor.

"He loved to work so much that he would show up even when he was in intense pain," Barber said.

Kanakaole productions included "Hawaii," "Baywatch Hawaii," "The Big Bounce," "50 First Dates," "Along came Polly," "The Shaggy Dog," "Blue Crush," "Britney Spears in Hawaii," "North Shore" and numerous commercials.

"Lamond didn't have a single enemy in this business," Laprete said. "He was well known for his broad grin, ready laugh. Lamond was one of life's most beautiful people."

He is survived by wife Dana; parents Lamond and Bridget; siblings Ernest, Nohea, Kanio, Skye, Kaden; and hanai brother Zane Kanahele.

Services and final viewing will be held at Borthwick Mortuary Maunakea Chapel, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today, with a procession past Queen's Surf in Waikiki -- Kanakaole was an avid surfer -- prior to cremation. Casual attire.

Scattering of ashes will be held at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Waikiki Beach.