A Tribute to Remember

Carvers pay respect to Master Carver Bill Kapuni.

The canoe, honoring Bill Kapuni can be seen at the Pioneer Hotel on Front Street in Lahaina.

By Molokai Dispatch Staff

After the sad news of the passing of Master Carver Bill Kapuni, several fellow carvers paid their respects to the world-renowned Hawaiian. A canoe created by three New Zealand carvers to honor Kapuni was placed in the water during the Maui Canoe Festival in May.

The piece was titled The Pahu O Te Rangi (The Drum of the Heavens). According to legend the drum was taken from Rarotongans by the Tahitians. The drum is reported to be very large and often referenced in social discourse between the two islands.

Carvers Hekenukumai Hector Busby, Takirirangi Smith, and Toby attended a celebration of life held at Kapuni’s house during the festival. “They came to honor the man he was as a Hawaiian, as a carver, and as a spiritual man,” said Victoria Kapuni, Bill’s wife.

Victoria would like to say Mahalo to everyone who paid their respects during this very difficult time.

“Mahalo for the respect, honor, and aloha that you shared before, during, and after Bill Kapuni’s celebration,” she said.