Israel Kamakawiwo"ole

[Visiting Stewardess]

Well, if he has been that big all his life, it is even surprising that he made it to 38... just imagine the hard work his heart and his other organs had to do!
I like his music and earlier this year I had Somewhere over the Rainbow/Beautiful world as a loop on my laptop whenever I wasn't working. So relaxing.
Sad he had to go so early. Does anyone know why he was so big? Was he ill? Or did he just eat too much?

[Styles Bitchley]

Does anyone know why he was so big? Was he ill? Or did he just eat too much?

I think in one of his songs he talks about his dad dying at an early age from a massive heart attack - possibly a similar situation. I imagine that it was the poor eating habits that are fairly common in many Polynesian communities. Although he certainly took it to an extreme.

From this site.

Obesity among Pacific Islanders is among the highest in the world, regardless of the island. Obesity may be due to a genetic predisposition and a cultural preference toward being heavy, but there is a high prevalence of physical inactivity among this population. Attitudes toward obesity are slowly changing, however, and it is gradually being viewed as unhealthy. Small studies that have placed obese and diabetic individuals on traditional diets have shown very good results, as individuals lost weight and diabetics were able to reduce or eliminate the need for insulin.

[Chancellor Higgins]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WL_L3oRZ8XI

Here is Pearl Jam covering "Hawaii '78" in Honolulu in 2006, they also released a different live version as the B side on their 2009 fan club single. Waimanalo native Boom Gaspar has been their keyboard player since 2002.

[KENJI]

This clip was sent my way....thought a few others might appreciate it too!
Nice to see Rabbit Island in there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoRpWEE-E0Q

[Mozambique_patt]

Great thread, I didn't realize it until I started listening to him, 50 First Dates is where I heard him. Wonderful voice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ3TWgNERAU