We were townbound on the H1, Saturday morning,when we first noticed something unusual. My daughter has music and ballet lessons on Saturdays, so we have traveled this route many times.
In the opposite lane of the H1, headed toward Waianae, we noticed semi trucks with their lights on. No trailers, just the cabs. All of the trucks were spruced up and were shiny clean. We saw ten trucks and then twenty. Then more and more. They seemed to be in some sort of convoy. Then more trucks. And more trucks…
The longer we drove, the more truck we saw. We were puzzled, why there would be so many trucks on a Saturday morning, heading toward Waianae.
Then I saw the picture in the paper today (Honolulu Star-Bulletin 8/5/07, p A17). Waimanalo Truckers Coalition and Bad Boy’s Trucking Company, had organized a Memorial Ceremony at Keehi Lagoon Park, in honor of ” Bruddah Iz“.
Once the ceremony was completed, all of the truckers hopped in their rigs and headed out to the West Side, ending up in Waianae.
Since his death over ten years ago, Israel Kamakawiwoole, still touches the people of Hawaii. He was an amazing man with a sweet voice and a big, big heart.
I was talking the other day with one of the teachers I work with and he said he had fond memories of Iz. They went to grade school and Intermediate together in Kaimuki. He said Iz was a rascal back then and was aways getting in trouble in school. I have no doubt. That’s who he was.
I was personally lucky enough to see Iz, play live with the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. The first time I saw them was in a small bar in Kaimiki, called Hank’s, I think. Iz was incredible and had an amazing presence on stage. His brother Skippy, who was also in the band, was sick that night and was unable to perform.
Skippy like Iz, passed on all to soon.
Thanks, Iz. Hawaii and the World, cherish the wonderful music you have left for us. We have all been touched by your heart. We have been touched by your soul…
Aloha,
Albert Grande
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