Debbie Kamali'i taught hula to Maui inmates
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui Bureau
KAHULUI, Maui — Debbie Kamali'i was a kumu hula with a big heart and giving nature who helped people overcome obstacles and reconnect with their culture.
So it was no surprise when a couple of hundred people showed up for a hastily arranged celebration of her life last week after she suddenly died from septic shock as a result of an infection.
Kamali'i
Kamali'i, 47, of Makawao, the daughter of Hawaiian cultural specialist Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr. and kumu hula Nina Maxwell, died within a few days of complaining of a scratch on her leg.
She was very ill the night of May 22 and thought she had the flu, said her father. But the next morning, an ambulance took her to Maui Memorial Medical Center. She died that night.
"She had no history of illness," Maxwell said. "It was such a shock. It just wasn't real. The point is you've got to love your families and your neighbors, because you never know when you're going to see them again."
Reports that Kamali'i's death may have been due to flesh-eating necrotizing fascitis are incorrect, according to the state Department of Health. An examination while she was hospitalized indicated the disease was not present, the department said in a news release yesterday.
Septic shock is a potentially lethal drop in blood pressure due to the presence of bacteria in the blood.
Exactly what caused the infection in this case is uncertain.
Kamali'i was a program coordinator for Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. and kumu hula for Na Pa'ahao Maoli, a hula troupe comprising inmates at Maui Community Correctional Center.
The troupe, formed 2 1/2 years ago, has performed at a number of public gatherings and was also part of the play "Na Leo I Ka Pu'uwai," directed by Lane Nishikawa and staged at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in November.
On May 24, scores of people attended an emotional event arranged by Kamali'i's employer to honor the woman's life. Among the throng were a couple dozen of Kamali'i's inmate/students.
"They danced in her memory," said Verdine Kong, a Maui Economic Opportunity supervisor. "She was such a generous, loving and giving person. Everyone who came in touch with Debbie could feel that."
Kamali'i is also survived by her sons, Adrian and Elliot; brother, Charles Maxwell Jr.; and sisters, KathyMarie Maxwell Juan and SheriAnn Maxwell.
Services are scheduled for Saturday at Ballard Family Mortuary, with visitation between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Her ashes will be scattered at a waterfall high on the West Maui Mountains.
