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 is also 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."

He said in a statement that she should be remembered for her kindness and contributions to Hawaiian music, and as a symbol of Hawai'i's culture.

"Aunty Genoa was an icon in the Hawaiian music scene for more than 50 years, and her signature falsetto voice and tremendous repertoire captivated audiences everywhere. She was a true island treasure who served as an important resource for scores of local musicians."

Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr.:

"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.

"Gov. Lingle and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Aunty Genoa, and on behalf of the people of Hawai'i, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans who will forever remember her signature soprano voice, her beautiful smile and her legacy."

University of Hawai'i President David McClain:

"On behalf of the University of Hawai'i community, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Aunty Genoa Keawe.

"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.

"In honor of her contributions to the university, her national stature and musical achievements, the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents unanimously approved the conferral of an honorary degree to Aunty Genoa, which was bestowed upon her at Windward Community College's spring commencement exercises in 2005. In 2006, she was honored with the UH Alumni Association's UH Founders Lifetime Achievement Award.

"The University of Hawai'i 'ohana was truly honored to count her amongst its members as a friend and supporter, and especially as an educator. Her talent and her music were an inspiration to us all, and though we are saddened by her passing, we are grateful to know that her spirit will live on through her music and through the lives of our students whom she has touched and inspired."

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

"Auntie Genoa was our go-to gal anytime we had to reset our Hawaiian music.

Anything she did would fit (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. She was a dear family friend; she knew my uncle Richard (Richard Kauhi); she knew my mom.

"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."

Marlene Sai, singer and president of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts:

"I was with her last Thursday, the day they took her home. She kept on saying, 'We have to help each other,' meaning young people. She has helped so many of our young singers over time. This made me reflect when I was growing up; this woman embraced me.

"She was such an icon, bigger than life woman and talent. She was giving, very embracing, always willing to teach, because our culture, our music and our existence must go on in perpetuity. This was what she was about, besides having a grand heart and talent.

Kuuipo Kumukahi, longtime singer and friend:

"Till the end, she would hold the 'ukulele and perform. I was lucky enough to visit her, bringing her a plate of kulolo and my guitar. I had prepared 'Ku'u Makamaka,' her signature song, and she assured me I was singing the words right.

"She was the one who knew all the right words. A whole era is gone in traditional Hawaiian music. Hopefully, we can continue to carry the torch for the next generation — to do for them what people Aunty Genoa did for us.

"I took a picture with her. Now I'm in a chronic state of void without her."

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

"You grew up with her."

"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 call her the First Lady of Hawaiian song, and she'd say, 'Oh, no, no, no, that belongs to somebody else' — all of them who had passed on, like Lena Machadao and Auntie Vickie I'i Rodrigues. She was so gracious, so humble, so giving.

"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 servcie, 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 Auntie 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 here 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.

"She touched so many peoples' lives, even sharing her Hawaiian music in Russia when she was well into her 80s. She was remarkable. Can you imagine the grand welcome she got with all those friends up there (heaven)?"

Mapuana da Silva, kumu hula of Halau Mohala 'Ilima:

"For me, Aunty Genoa is one of those people, like Mary Kawena Pukui, who will span the generations.

"I got to experience that (element) in my hula life. When I was a student dancing in Auntie Maiki Aiu's halau, Aunty Genoa used to sing for her. I was fortunate that she would come and sing.

"Now that I have my own students, Aunty has sung for them, too. The song I treasure is "Ku'u Makamaka," a song written for her — her mele inoa (name song), which I learned from Aunty Maiki."

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."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.