Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi

Background

Kauhi was born in Hilo on the "Big Island" of Hawaii.

Career

He is remembered largely for his portrayal of "Kono Kalakaua" on the long-running television program Hawaii Five-O.

He began his career in Honolulu as a stand-up comedian, mimic, and singer, described by one journalist as "part Godfrey Cambridge, part Zero Mostel". In 1968, Zulu landed the role of the burly state police detective "Kono" on Hawaii Five-O. He left after four seasons, frustrated by the "dumb Hawaiian" image that his character projected, as well as off-camera conflicts with the show"s star, Jack Lord. ".. wouldn"t let him do anything," said a co-worker

"My friends think I"m a trained-animal act," he said, in a 1971 interview.

" "Yes, boss; no, boss." Well, some day this animal will be laughing all the way to the bank." Zulu would go on to eight more television roles including a reprise role of "Kono" in the 1997 pilot for the revival series, Hawaii Five-0. He later hosted a Honolulu show called "Big Z Movie Time".

Kauhi died in Hilo at the age of 66 from complications due to diabetes. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered off Waikiki.

Achievements

• Kauhi was an accomplished surfer. He was known in Hawaii by the honorific "Waikiki Beach Boy.".

Views

Quotations: ".. wouldn"t let him do anything,". "My friends think I"m a trained-animal act,".