Aunty Genoa Keawe had a huge impact on Hawaiian music, but she also had a major influence on the lives of many individuals. Here are comments from some people:

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who also is a longtime family friend:

"I have always looked up to Aunty Genoa as a member of our church and a family friend. As I grew up in her shadow, I experienced her tireless efforts as an entertainer and a leader in the community. Aunty Genoa gave so much to people, especially through her music. She always showed compassion and concern for others. When I visited her in the hospital a week ago, she graciously asked about my health and that of my family.

"She was a true island treasure who served as an important resource for scores of local musicians."

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona:

"Hawai'i has lost a beloved icon. Aunty Genoa Keawe was one of Hawai'i's most recognizable figures, who touched countless lives and shared the aloha spirit with all the people of Hawai'i and the rest of the world.

"Her deep commitment to mentoring Hawaiian musicians and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture is an inspiration to us all and will continue to inspire future generations."

Jacqueline Rossetti, Internet radio personality The Honolulu Skylark and longtime expert on Hawaiian music and culture:

"We used to play her 49th State (record label) records all the time; every halau was touched by her music. You just thought this woman would never leave us.

"I recall a funny story: We were on Maui with her, for the Ka Leo Hanohano Awards, which honored musicians who had 25 years or more of service, and it was a long day of plane rides, rehearsals, the show. So we go back to the hotel, after eating saimin, and it's midnight — and Aunty Genoa wants to play music. She assembles everyone in the lobby, and she played till 3 in the morning. I was up since 5 the day before and I asked her where she gets her energy from, and she said she comes alive at 10 o'clock at night and goes to bed at breakfast. All those years — playing music was very important to her."

Lynn Cook, a writer, hula student and longtime friend, said Keawe was encyclopedic in her knowledge of Island music.

"She was just the sparkle in all of our hula, from the earliest days. All the times I got to be with her, sit with her, it was fun.

"The most joyous time I had was sitting in her living room, where she put an old-fashioned record player on the couch, playing 78 r.p.m. records, and she sang along with the songs, and corrected herself. It was a moment in time in her Papakolea house with 20-something stairs — a breeze coming through, her playing those old songs. Any song you mention, she would hum and sing the words. Entertainers would call her and ask for words — she knew, and it was her own song."

University of Hawai'i President David McClain:

"Aunty Genoa contributed to the perpetuation of Hawai'i's music and culture, both as a tireless performer and dedicated teacher and mentor. The University of Hawai'i was privileged to have her be a part of the UH family by sharing her knowledge and talents with our students, particularly as an instructor in 'ukulele workshops as part of the Windward Community College Hawai'i Music Institute."

Brickwood Galuteria, disc jockey, former chairman of the Hawai'i Democratic Party and family friend:

"Aunty Genoa was our go-to gal anytime we had to reset our Hawaiian music. Anything she did would fit (our radio programming). She was an original. The past few years, it was almost like a second coming for her — she was all over the place, everytime you turned.

"Kimo (Kaohoano) and I talked on the air about what we would do now that she's gone and she would want us to be happy, to celebrate her wonderful life."

Emma Veary, Hawaiian soprano and longtime friend now living on Maui:

"She was such a lovely, lovely lady — and a buddy of mine. I met her when I was a little girl. I sang a song that she uses all the time, 'Hawaiian Souvenir,' and she used to sing it all the time. So whenever I would visit her (at the Marriott), I'd say 'hui,' and we would sing 'Hawaiian Souvenir' together.

"Her passing marks the end of an era; she was a sweet woman and a beautiful human being, always with those twinkling eyes. My other buddy, Auntie Irmgard Aluli, is now gone, too — but she and Genoa must have a great band going."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.