7.13.11. This morning I logged on to Facebook and discovered that a good friend in Maui had unexpectedly passed away, Charles Kaupu Jr. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Charles over the last couple years during the annual
Celebration of the Arts event on Maui. I was very much looking forward to meeting up with him again during my upcoming Maui visit in July when we had much 'talk story' planned. He was a wonderful man with an incredibly positive outlook on everything...a kumu, a student of life, and a cherished cultural resource. It was truly an honor to know him. His passing will leave a big hole in my heart, mind, and spirit that will be difficult to fill for a long time to come. Much aloha to his ohana and his ocean of friends in Maui, Japan, and around the world.
Here are a few stories celebrating his rich life and gifts:
Maui News - ‘A hole in our hearts’: Kumu Charles K. Ka‘upu Jr., of Maui, dies at 53
MauiNow - Maui Community Mourns Loss of Kumu Charles Kaupu Jr
SFGate, Hawaiian Insider - Maui's cultural icon Charles Ka'upu dies; Hapa to share his spirit on Calif. tour
Star Advertiser - Noted Maui kumu Charles Kaupu dies
