EDITORIAL
Kekoa Kaapu brought joy, humor to politics

Hawai'i lost a colorful piece of its political history yesterday with the untimely death of former City Councilman Kekoa Kaapu at age 66.

Kaapu, who grew up with his equally colorful father and schoolteacher mother in a grass shack in Punaluu, was part of Democratic politics for decades.

The charismatic Harvard graduate and Marine aviator was spotted early on as a potential rising star in Democratic politics. He served as an assistant to the late Gov. John A. Burns in 1962 and by 1964 had won a seat on the Honolulu City Council. After a stint as an aide to former Mayor Frank Fasi, Kaapu was elected to the council once again in 1974.

Although Kaapu had numerous electoral successes, including serving in two constitutional conventions, he had his share of setbacks as well. In recent years he was a frequent, if unsuccessful, candidate for a variety of elective posts.

What characterized Kaapu, beyond a quick mind and a sly wit, was his ability to take on politics and public policy issues with joy and humor. He took matters seriously, but not too seriously.

His infectious enthusiasm will be missed.