“Embodied the true meaning of aloha”
David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in this summer’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, has died aged 57.
The Kaimuki actor’s older sister Jalene broke the news via Facebook on Sunday, June 15, in an emotional statement describing him as “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome”.
“I met my little brother at the age of 18, on my high school graduation day, it was the most amazing surprise which I had been asking for for years, that our mom’s made happen for us, and that gift has lasted a lifetime,” she wrote.
“While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him. He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together. We looked forward to going to Tatihi and the Lindsey reunion together to create more family connections.
“The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts. He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max… made him a diamond in the rough
According to Jalene, David’s final outing with the family was to the premiere of Lilo & Stitch in Kapolei, Hawaii – playing the role of ‘Big Hawaiian Dude’ on screen.
As well as the recent Disney job, his CV also included a couple of episodes of Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-O, plus an unspecified part in The Wrecking Crew opposite Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, which is yet to be released.
His agent Lashauna Downie told TMZ after hearing of his passing: “I am learning like you through social media. This is heartbreaking and sad. He was one of my best talent and embodied the true meaning of aloha. A gentle giant.”
