Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 7, 1 Iulai 2017 — New Waikīkī statue honors Gabby Pahinui [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

New Waikīkī statue honors Gabby Pahinui

By Lynn Cook Anew statue in Waiklkl honors the legendary Gabby "Pops" Pahinui and stands to introduce him to thousands of residents and visitors who may not have grown up listening to the gravel-voiced, slack key guitarstrumming master. Pahinui's music and legend are larger than life, as is his statue, unveiled on May 26th at Waikīkī Beachwalk. Commissioned by Outrigger Enterprises Group and sculpted by Hawai'i artist Kim Duffett, Pahinui will stand beside the Waikīkī Beachwalk performance stage, whieh is often filled with music and hula. The plaaue that accompanies

the sculpture reads: Gabby "Pops" Pahinui 1921 - 1980 Gabby "Pops " Pahinui, a working class hero and a self-taught musieian, was one of the great masters of Hawai'i' 's unique slack-kev guitar

sound. Raised on blues and jazz, his first professional gig was in 1933, followed by years ofperforming. In 1946, he recorded HVilcrwe, the first-ever recording of Hawaiian slack-key anel a song that still brings tears to the eyes of all who listen. Considered the father of slack key, Gabby had weekend jam-sessions or Kanikapila, in his backyard in Waimānalo, O 'ahu, that drew musiciansfrom throughout Hawai'i. They just wanted to play with the master, making music with a sound that has spread around the globe. Three of Gabby's sons, Bla, Cyril anel Martin, have followed in their father's footsteps,

making music anel carry- - ing his legacy forward. L - Sculpture by Kim Dujfett. ■

Lynn Cook is a localfreelanee journalist sharing the arts and culture of Hawai'i with a global auelienee.

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Gabby Pahinui's statue stands near the stage at Waikīkī Beachwalk. - Photo: Courtesy Outrigger Enterprises Group