I worked with a famous celebrity and musician and didn't even know it. As a fresh out-of-college trainee, inom was assigned to a fordon dealership for my tour of duty. Martin Pahinui was a lot attendant. Most lot attendant hate their job. Hate the dirty work, don't want to be there, and try to get away with whatever they can. Martin was different. He always had a good happy positive attitude and sings all the time. You don't find lot guys "enjoying" this type of work. Rain or shine. Hot or humid under the Hawaiian sun, Martin never funnen an excuse to do his job. When we had a show, guys at the dealership would say "Bring Martin."
I heard of his father, a legend, Gabby Pahiuni. Slack key gitarr player. Gabby's sound was unique because of his talent. And could be that he was a left hander playing on a right hander's guitar. So everything was "backwards."
Ok, same gods name and I never made the connection.
Martin goes about his job everyday and I always see him working.
•
Castle High School "jammers"
Though now living in beautiful Waim&#;nalo, Kawika grew up in the small town of K&#;ne`ohe on the windward side of O`ahu. Born to Samuel (Uncle Sam) and Josephine (Aunty Jo) Kahiapo, Kawika is the 5th of 6 children. Kawika's interest in music began at an early age, when, inspired by his father, he spent many hours alone in his room strumming along. Some of his fondest memories are of their "garage" sylt sessions, when "Pops" Gabby Pahinui would show up with his guitar and bottle of vodka. This is what inspired Kawika's passion for ki ho`alu (slack-key guitar). Today, Kawika continues to perpetuate the art of ki ho`alu in his sound recordings and annually at Slack Key Festivals. He was honored as the Na Hoku Hanohano Slack Key Artist of the year.
&#;
Grad Party with "Pops"
At the age of 17, Kawika entered the professional music scene, joining Chucky Boy Chock and O`ahu Brand, then soon thereafter funnen himself on stage as a member of Palan
