EBEN KALA?AU Obituary

EBEN KALA'AU, JR. Eben Kala'au Jr., Treasured Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle and Friend, passed away on January, 9th at 86, in Honolulu. He was special to all who knew him because when you were with him, you felt safe and loved unconditionally. He was generous with his time, knowledge and aloha - and was always authentically himself. A Pure Hawaiian. Eben was the son of Eben Kala'au, Sr. and Mary La'au. He was the eldest brother to Oliver, Ku'ulei, Lei and Haunani. Raised at Kawaihae on Hawai'i Island, he lived the traditional Hawaiian way with his parents, grandparents, siblings and cousins. It was where he became an excellent waterman - swimming, diving, and fishing. When his mother passed away, he was sent to O'ahu to attend the Kamehameha School for Boys, graduating in 1957. At Kamehameha he was on the rifle team, in the choir and worked at Bishop Museum under Mary Kawena Puku'i. His father later married Carol Reilly and gave Eben 5 more sisters, Waiola, Rose, Isabel, Maudlyn and Jacquelyn. He was the loving protector of all his siblings who affectionately called him, "Junior." At 18, Eben became the foreman at Kawaihae Harbor and worked in dredging for Henry J. Kaiser. After a short stint with the Police Department, he began his 26-year career with the Honolulu Fire Department. HFD gave him unbreakable bonds with his firefighter brothers as well as many exciting rescue stories that always kept you on the edge of your seat. Eben was also a lifeguard, a boat captain for Duke Kahanamoku, and in charge of the imu for Don Ho's lu'au show in Waikiki. He was a fixture at the Elks Club, where he and other Native Hawaiians broke racial barriers, creating a diverse membership. He was a founder of their Kumulokahi Canoe Club and named Elk-of-the-Year for his many contributions. Eben and his wife Marlene had a partnership that lasted over 50 years. They valued education and Hawaiian culture and made many sacrifices to support their 'ohana. They loved Hawaiian music, family parties, watching hula and volleyball and traveling - especially to Vegas. Eben was a keen observer, loved plants and being in the sun. He was an avid reader, Scrabble player and exceptional artist. He was most proud of creating the official insignia of the Honolulu Fire Department, which can be seen on uniforms, trucks and stations throughout O'ahu. His all-time favorite thing to do was "talk story" around the dining room table. He was known for his warmth and sense of humor and his charm and social personality made him Insta-famous. He will be remembered for his story-telling, singing "Pua Lilia" and dancing "Boy from Laupahoehoe." Eben had 4 children - Kahau, Kanani, Ebenette and Kawehi. He is survived by his daughters and their families, his sisters, nieces and nephews and the many people whose lives he touched with friendship, mentorship and aloha. His legacy continues through the countless lives he influenced. Celebrate his life with us on Sunday, May 3 at the Elks Club Waikiki. Visitation starts at 9 AM, Service at 10 AM. Scattering & Refreshments to follow. Aloha Attire. Parking at Elks & Kapi'olani Park.