In a note to the theater, Long acknowledged Kumu Kahua's role as one of Hawai'i's sources for creative artists to produce meaningful theater by Island playwrights in the community.

"I hope my small donation will be useful and that it might prompt others to consider Kumu in their estate planning," said Long about his donation.

"This is a huge gift for us," said Scott Rogers, managing director of Kumu Kahua. "He obviously understood the uniqueness of the work we do and wanted to assure that we are able to continue doing it."

The bequest was passed on last January but kept confidential until after Long's death.

The theater group plans to place a large portion of the donation into a Playwrights Endowment Fund in honor of Long's appreciation to cultivate new playwrights.

"Although Mr. Long hasn't worked on a play at Kumu Kahua for 35 years, his attendance over the years and his generous bequeathment demonstrate the value he placed on Kumu Kahua's mission," said Harry Wong III, Kumu artistic director.

Kumu Kahua productions receive support from the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, the Mayor's Office of Culture & Arts, the Hawai'i Community Foundation and other patrons.