Singer Kawai Cockett Dies at 67

Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning singer Kawai Cockett died yesterday of complications from diabetes. He was 67 years old.
Cockett had a long and successful career, performing and recording traditional Hawaiian music from the 1960's through the 1990's.
Kawai Cockett recorded "Beautiful Kauai" in 1969. It was the recording that made him famous.
"He loved it when people referred to that as his signature song, because it's the song that made him who he was," his son, Haaheo Cockett, told KGMB9. "It was recorded previously by Don Ho, but it wasn't until he recorded it that it became a smash hit."
Cockett believed that traditional Hawaiian music and hula went hand in hand. He led a Polynesian review at the Ilikai in the 1970's.
"He just loved the dancers," Haaheo said. "Whenever there was a dancer with him, whether it was myself or someone else, it made him feel his music."
Cockett won the Hoku for Best Male Vocalist in 1994 and 1999 and in 2004 he won a Lifetime Achievement Award.
His wife and son were with him when he passed away.
"He went very fast, very quickly with no pain and in the most peaceful way," Haaheo said. "His last words were, 'Hallelujah, thank you Jesus.' He took his last breath, and he slipped and he took his journey."
Haaheo Cockett says his father had no airs or pretenses.
"He went to the grocery store in his tank top and shorts, and always with a big smile. He greeted everyone that greeted him with a handshake, a hug, and aloha," he said.
Kawai Cockett would have been 68 years old this coming Sunday. Instead, his funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's in Kaimuki at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 6.