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WAIMEA

'O wai kou inoa? What's your name?

"Pini"

No hea mai 'oe? Where are you from?

Born in Waimea Kauai, Charles [aka 'Charlie'] Koani parents are Waiwaiole Koani and Katie Kamai -both of Kauai. Charlie attended Waimea Elementary School, Kamehameha School [Class of 1950], then continued his education at Willamette University where he lettered in football as a fullback and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics. Charles spent time in the United States Marine Corps and after completing his tour of duty he played semi-pro football in the Los Angeles area. Charlie then continued his education in the area of computer science whereby he received his Masters Degree at West Coast University. He then went on to graduate work at the University of Southern California were he received his Masters of science Degree in Computer Science. Charlie then went on to UCLA where he had been working on his Doctorate Degree in Computer Science but died before he had a chance to complete his education. Charlie worked for Kaiser as a computer analyst for many, many years until he felt that the job was not challenging enough for him, then he would move on to accept greater responsibilities and more challenging tasks. At the time of his death Charlie was in the employ of Informatics as an assistant analyst. Charlie wasn't just a brilliant young man but a great athlete and also a musician. Charles was well known in Southern California for his ability as a top pianist. He has performed with many groups in the south-land and at many night clubs in the Los Angeles area. He performed regularly with his group 'the Calinesians'. They had engagements at famous venues such as 'Little Hawaii' restaurant, 'Shih's" restaurant in New Chinatown, and 'Seven Seas' restaurant in Hollywood, CA. Charlie not only played piano professionally but he would also donate his talents at many fund-raising events. He was a member of the Sons of Hawaii, and founder of the Koani Foundation. After having been struck by an automobile [that ran through a red light] while riding his bike to work on Wednesday morning May 20,1981, he was admitted into Tarzana Hospital. On a life support system for 48hours, Charles Kalipine Lokeaa Kealoha Koani was pronounced brain dead the morning of May 23, 1981. Cause of death; severe blunt force trauma. His wife, daughter, and nephew were present with him at the time. "Pini" as most of his old friends and family know his, is survived by his wife Patricia, and his daughter, Puaalakuuipolani Kerri. Pini is also survived by his five brothers; Henry Kealii Koani of Kauai, David Kuapu Koani of Pearl City, Moki Kealoha Koani of Anacortes Washington, and Nathaniel Alona Koani of Honolulu Hawaii and George Panewa Koani of Burlington Washington. "Pini" is also survived by one sister; Rebecca Mikala Kekahu. His neices Malina Koani, Ruby Kekahu, and nephew Charlie 'boy' Kekahu. Butchie Kekahu, organizer of the annual Aloha March and nephew of Charlie Koani was visiting his Uncle Charlie when the tragedy occurred. Since then Butchie has been assisting his Auntie Patricia in helping to settle the necessary final arrangements when someone passes away and to support the bereaved. Charles Koani's body was cremated on Thursday May 23, 1981 at Rosedale Cemetery and memorial services were held at the 442nd Memorial Hall in Los Angeles and was attended by approximately 300, many of whom flew in from Hawai'i. Service music was provided by Butch Kasahara and his band. Opening prayer was delivered by Mikey Kuhia which was followed by the Koani siblings singing two of the family's favorite religious songs. Eulogy was delivered by Bobby Chun, long-time friend of Charlie, with whom Charlie lived with when he first arrived in Southern California. In the eulogy, Bobby mentioned that Charlies Hawaiian name of Kelipine Lokeaa Kealoha, meant 'Everlasting rose of love' and that is what Charlie is all about. For wherever he went, he had love in his heart for all of his fellow human beings. Charlies legacy was "Be kind to your fellow human beings and above all, be kind to yourselves". Butch Kasahara then sang "Kanaka Wai Wai" a song taught to Butch by the late Charlie Koani. Prayer and blessing of the food was delivered by Rebecca Kehahu. Many friends came by the receiving line to pay their condolences to the Koani family and were introduced by Bobby Chun. The Memorial service was concluded by all joining the Koani family in singing "Aloha Oe". Charles 'Pini' Koani's cremated ashes were taken beyond the Marina Del Rey breakwaters to the Pacific Ocean by two outrigger canoes; the 'Malolo' and the 'Mamo Kai' of the Marina Del Rey canoe club and manned by Charlies brothers and a few of his closest male friends. As the sun set, Native Hawaiian chants accompanied his ashes being scattered at sea, and the floral and Maili leaf garlands which were draped around each of the canoes were left afloat at that same area. Much mahalo's to all those who friends and relatives who helped the Koani family in time of need and special mahalos to Butch Kasahara and Butchie Kekahu for all their specific efforts. Mahalo Nui loa and to Charles, wherever you are, 'God be with you and Aloha'. written by Bobby Chun July 1981 for Voice of Hawaii a Hawaiian Newspaper Published monthly in the State of California Voice of Hawaii: VOL. 11, No. 7 CHARLES K KOANI for more information, please contact http://www.myspace.com/klk2909 www.YouTube.com/Koani Foundation

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