Herb Kawainui Kane Condolence Message
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President of the Fiji Islands Voyaging Society, Mr Colin Philp sends a condolence message on behalf of the Society, and Skipper and Crew of the Uto ni Yalo via Herb Kane’s official website. Read Condolence message:

Dear Family and Friends of Herb Kawainui Kane,

On behalf of the Fiji Islands Voyaging Society we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Herb. He was a great man and motivator who showed tremendous support for our young Society. Through his research in Fiji and drawings, the first outrigger paddling canoes were built and his designs the 'Takia' and 'Mana' are still raced today.

The highlight of knowing Herb was receiving a message of support from him while the 'Uto ni Yalo' was in the roaring 40's last year facing 45knot winds and freezing temperatures. His message was timely and lifted the spirits of the crew. We were looking forward to visiting him at his home in June this year.

May his soul rest in peace.
Colin Philp

  

A painting of the majestic Fijian drua by Herb Kane.

Manoa Rasigatale also posted a personal condolence message on Herb’s official website. Read Message:

I first meet Herb in 1978 when he was introduced to me by Bob Van Dorpe to design the Cultural Centre at Pacific Harbour. The last time I spoke with him was last September in Hilo. He was looking forward to meeting me again, there in Hilo, in June when the Fijian Canoe, Uto Ni Yalo with 6 other canoes from the South Pacific were scheduled to arrive there...but God had other plans for him.. 'SA TU NA NONA LEWA BALETI KOYA'.

He sent words of encouragement to me and the crew through email while crossing the Pacific Ocean in the epic voyage of the 'Uto Ni Yalo' last year. Isa....Herb, a gifted man with a big heart. Through his vision in resurrecting the use of traditional canoes in the Pacific, his dream has bore fruit. He always strives to do the best for his own native Hawaiians and the people of Oceania in arts and culture through painting etc. I will be forever grateful to him for his tremendous help, support and guidance during the years I was operating the Cultural Centre at Pacific Harbour from the 1970s to 2000. On behalf of my family I offer our condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.