Updated at 11:24 a.m., Friday, March 30, 2007

State flags at half-staff today for 'Hawai'i's Canary'

Advertiser Staff

Dela Cruz, nicknamed "Hawai'i's Canary," was well-known as a falsetto singer. Advertiser library photo

State flags will fly at half-staff today in honor of singer and Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Linda Dela Cruz, who died on March 15.

Gov. Linda Lingle ordered state flags at state and county buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

Dela Cruz was first elected as a trustee in 2000 and was serving a second term that would have expired in 2008. A memorial service was held last night in Hilo, and burial services are set for today.

Dela Cruz was best known as a falsetto singer, nicknamed "Hawai'i's Canary" and in 2003 she was recognized by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts with a Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award.