HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – From musicians and entertainers, to cultural practitioners — and even a couple from within the Hawaii News Now ohana, 2024 brought a number of losses that hit close to home.
We take a moment to look back and honor those we lost this year.
Beloved Hawaii actor Taylor Wily, best known for his role as ‘Kamekona’ on ‘Hawaii Five-0′ died in June. Other entertainers and industry professionals we lost included Hawaii-Born Broadway star Jade Stice, Hawaiian music icon Aaron Mahi, and singer & musician Theresa Bright. And a key figure behind the scene of local productions was Janet Maduli, who died in July to the shock of the entertainment industry.
Tributes poured in for these figures, and also for others who are remembered for their service to the community — like Twinkle Borge. She spent many years advocating for homeless rights and became a respected community leader out in West Oahu. She was known for her work with Pu’uhonua O Wai’anae, a safe space for houseless families to live. She gave a voice to so many who felt voiceless, and worked closely with elected officials to get services to the families she helped.
In 2024, five Pearl Harbor survivors died, further dwindling the link to the past. Sterling Cale, Dick Higgins, Lou Conter, Robert Fernandez, and Warren ‘Red’ Upton leave behind rich legacies of military service and stories of the frightful day. Maui resident Lucille MacDonald also passed, and was known for her work as an iconic ‘Rosie the Riveter.’
From within the Hawaii News Now team, there two significant losses. We said goodbye to our News Director Scott Duff who vigorously battled cancer. Through it all, his encouraging spirit shined bright. Hawaii News Now Sunrise also lost their beloved on-air mascot Sunny, a four-legged friend of Grace Lee. Sunny was very much a part of the family and often a highlight for visitors to the station.
These are just some of the many names of respected people who left us in 2024. Hawaii News Now remembers and celebrates their legacy.
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