Posted on: Saturday, December 29, 2001

John 'Butch' Kekahu III, Kaua'i activist, dead at 57

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i Bureau

John "Butch" Kekahu III, an entertainer and Hawaiian rights activist, died Thursday.

A diabetic who often had to use a wheelchair in his later years, Kekahu was active earlier in battles for Hawaiian Homestead rights, Hawaiian sovereignty and related issues. He organized the 1998 Aloha March in Washington, and a second march last year, to publicize Hawaiian issues.

"I am the poster boy for how we have fared under the American way of life," he said.

Kekahu, 57, was born in Hanapepe. He worked in Los Angeles as an entertainer during the 1960s and returned to the Islands in 1971. He launched a life of active political protest. During the 1980s and '90s, he occupied Hawaiian Homestead property in Anahola and fought running battles with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. He testified on sovereignty and Hawaiian self-determination issues before congressional committees.

Survivors include his daughters, Ruby and Merlene; sons, John, Aaron, Charles and Danny; mother, Rebecca Mikala Kekahu; brother, Kawika; and sisters, Rowena and Rhoda.

Services are pending. Donations may be sent to the Koani Foundation, P.O. Box 510-182, Kealia, HI 96751.