FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  April 14, 2007    Release No. M-34-07

MAYOR MOURNS THE DEMISE OF DON HO

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said the following regarding today’s death of Don Ho:

“I knew Don since I was kid growing up in Kalihi. He helped my brother Nephi get started in show business.

“I was a big fan of Don. I have all his albums and really came to appreciate his music. More than that, I was inspired by his approach to life: ‘Ain’t no big  thing,’ ‘Geev ‘um,’ ‘No scared ’em, go get ’em.’ He showed that Hawaiians, Polynesians, could rise from humble local roots to succeed and excel on a national and global level. As a living symbol of Hawaii at the peak of his career, he helped spark our visitor industry boom of the ’60s and ’70s.

“Last year I was able to go to his show at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber and present him with a proclamation for his achievements. It was one my proudest moments as mayor.

“My family and I mourn his passing, but will never forget the way he lived.”

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767