COURTESY KAINA FAMILY
Maui musician Kaleo Kaina is undergoing treatment for a serious heart condition. His family and friends in Hana, Maui, have organized a benefit concert on his behalf.
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Maui concert to benefit beloved musician
A benefit concert will be held in Hana, Maui, next week for a local musician with a big heart that's in need of repair.
KALEO KAINA DAY
Benefit event: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., Feb. 11
Place: Hana Highway Mile Marker No. 51.
Tickets: $15 pre-sale; $20 at the door
Call: 248-7807 or 248-8759
Donations from those unable to attend the concert may be sent to the Hana Community Association, P.O. Box 202, Hana 96713. Donations should be marked "Kaleo Kaina."
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Kaleo Kaina suffered a stroke on Sept. 11. While being treated, he learned that he needed heart surgery to repair two faulty valves. The heart ailments brought on circulatory problems, shortness of breath, tightness in his chest -- and on top of all that, Kaina also suffers from diabetes.
Kaina played bass on some Ho'opi'i Brothers' recordings and can be heard as a soloist on the compilation, "Ohana Volume 1." A special reissue of "Ohana" will be available at the benefit concert Feb. 11.
Kaina's wife, Patsy, is a cancer survivor with her own serious health problems. The couple's combined medical expenses left them without funds to repair the truck they use to keep their tent-rental business going.
"Uncle was working part time at the Hana School in the cafeteria, and he's a musician, but his heart is so big that he mostly plays for free," Kaina's nephew, Kepano Kaina, said. "Now (the family) is trying to raise money to pay for the medical expenses and transportation to the doctor (in Honolulu)."
Kaina had surgery at Queen's Medical Center yesterday.
The people of Hana are rallying around the beleaguered family and helping Kaina's kids stage the grass-roots fundraiser, "For Our Dad -- Kaleo Kaina."
Entertainment will be provided by master of ceremonies Uncle Boy Kanae, Vince Esquire, Boom and Friends, Bradah Larry and the Hailiimaile Band, Hatota Tehiva, the Noenoe 'Ohana, Kaiolohia Funes-Smith, Ua Mau, Zach Kekona, and Piilani Arias and Friends.
Related events will include a silent auction, entertainment for children, crafts, games and food booths.
"He has helped this community so much, and the community has so much aloha (for him)," Kepano Kaina said.
"Everybody wants to get together. It's been wonderful, the support we've been getting."