[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 74 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5651-S5652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      REMEMBERING HAWAII'S DON HO

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to a 
remarkable son of Hawaii, entertainment legend, Don Ho. Don's big heart 
gave out on April 14, in Waikiki. He was 76 years old. On Saturday, May 
5, Hawaii bid a fond aloha to Don Ho, during a ceremony on Waikiki 
Beach in celebration of his life. Thousands of people attended his 
memorial.
  Don didn't plan on a career in entertainment. After his college 
graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of 
first lieutenant. When

[[Page S5652]]

he returned home, he began helping at his mother's quiet neighborhood 
bar, playing music with friends. That was the beginning of a show 
business career spanning more than four decades including hit records, 
motion pictures, television, and sold out performances world-wide.
  Hawaii was still a young State when Don Ho became an international 
star, and in many ways he helped put Hawaii on the map. In my travels 
around the world, people always ask me about Don Ho. Don was a big star 
wherever he went. He even played in Washington, DC, when I was in the 
House. And I can tell you, it was a big show.
  Despite his stature as an entertainment icon, Don was never too busy 
to spend a few minutes with his fans; young honeymooners, servicemen 
and women stationed in the islands, or senior citizens on a dream 
vacation. He had tremendous charisma and talent and because of that he 
touched many people. Hawaii has lost a beloved son and he will be 
sorely missed.

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