James Koko of Makaha Sons RIP

[Amati]

John Kapualani Koko, 51, the bassist and singer with the Makaha Sons has died. Sad news for the music of Hawaii.

John Koko

[Menehune Man]

Yes... he'll be missed, sweet man.

[Leo Lakio]

August 2009, Kalama WA
Aloha oe, John.

[LikaNui]

So sad.
RIP to John Koko of the Makaha Sons. I met him many times but my favorite memory of him is in this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGuS8PcNp64 ) at the Hoku Awards show in 1996 when he and the Sons surprised Bruddah IZ on stage. IZ told me later that he was singing with his eyes closed and had no idea the Sons were walking up to join him.
There were about 800 people in the room and every single person was standing and crying.
I was sitting near the front, on the left side in this video. There's a few spots where you can see the back of my head and the long hair. The tallest guy in those shots.
He's had heart problems for a long time, but he still passed way too young. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family.

[Leo Lakio]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFBtuNUPu0U

This may be one of the last performances of John captured on video (according to Jason Gengabus).

[Pohaku]

Great picture, Leo. Way too young!

[KokuaFH]

I loved that man;s style on the stand up.
I had to make a video tribute in his honor.
I was talking to Jerome on the phone about posting their videos on my YouTube channel from their 1992 Bash concert, the ideas started flying and I finally got it done!
RIP! John the 1st year anniversary is coming up soon.

Here it is if anyone wants to see it - Aloha!

KFH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHRhT9ARTxM

[Moto]

Beautiful Tribute KokuaFH!!

[KokuaFH]

Mahalo Nui Moto!
I have to say this is my first video creation when pau
and watched it complete for the first time I had tears
running down my cheeks, didn't know I could move
myself like that...