Haleloke

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Hello Lori and All,

Sad news...

Hawaiian star lived as ordinary Hoosier
By JOY LEIKER
jleiker@muncie.gannett.com

UNION CITY - A former television star, Haleloke Kahuaolapua sang and danced her way into American homes in the 1950s in the cast of Arthur Godfrey's variety show.

Years after her career blared through the radio and was broadcast on national television, Kahuaolapua, known as "Hale" to her friends, retired to Union City. She died there Thursday at age 82.

Though Kahuaolapua went on to live a rather quiet life in Indiana, Albany resident Marilyn Zearbaugh remembers watching the Hawaiian performer on Godfrey's musical talent show, Arthur Godfrey and His Friends.

Zearbaugh said, "I'm old enough and I remember, every day she'd come out and sing. She was beautiful."

Kahuaolapua was part of Godfrey's cast of characters for five years, from 1950 to 1955. During the 1951-52 season, the show was at the top of the charts, and Kahuaolapua and Godfrey were featured on the cover of TV Guide. A year later the show was knocked out of the top spot by I Love Lucy.

Before television she was popular on a Hawaiian radio program, Hawaii Calls.

Though her professional career ended long ago, Kahuaolapua didn't separate herself totally from the music business. In fact even in Randolph County she had opportunities to enjoy the Hawaiian music she loved.

The city of Winchester hosts the Aloha International Hawaiian Steel Guitar Club's annual convention, and the summertime event features musicians from all over the world. Even though she wasn't able to perform, she did attend some of the gatherings. Zearbaugh remembers seeing her there.

"They were all thrilled that she could be at that meeting," Zearbaugh remembered of the other musicians. "Those people kind of fade out, then live ordinary lives."


Another Union City friend,
--Jane Barr Torres