VIDEO: Native Hawaiian Practitioner “Uncle Charlie” Passes
March 16th, 2012 ·
Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr., File photo by Wendy Osher.
By Wendy Osher
Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr., a kahu, native Hawaiian advocate, and longtime member of the Pacific Radio Group ‘ohana, died Thursday after a long illness.
Maxwell was among the leaders in an effort to protect native burials at Honokahua and a vocal advocate for the protection of Kaho’olawe.
He was also a cultural practitioner who was called upon to protect precious species including the replanting of siverswords at Haleakala, and the proper burial of whale ‘iwi or bones used in research.
For many years, Maxwell hosted the weekly two-hour radio program, “Talk Story with Uncle Charlie” on KNUI AM 900.
Prior to his work in the native Hawaiian community, Maxwell worked as a police officer for the County of Maui.
Those close to Maxwell say he took his last breath at 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. He was 74.
Replies
I am truly sadden about this. When someone passes that have been in the movement for a very long time, one wonders about all the 'deeds' done and who will carry on in his place. Uncle Charlie Maxwell worked deeply and widely in the movement through thick and thin--constantly around the clock. I wish the family well and thank them for sharing this mind, body and spirit with all of us over the many years.
His presence in the movement will be lasting and long felt, sleep tight Uncle Charlie ...we will meet up again in a different light, time and space.