A Big Island resident who played a major role in the restoration of a site of Hawaiian royalty has died.

Clement "Junior" Kanuha Jr. worked as a volunteer organizer regularly for about 12 years to clear and restore the 12-acre site at Keolanahihi at Holualoa Bay.

Kanuha, of Kalaoa, died at his home after a prolonged bout with cancer. He was 61.

Kanuha was born in Kealakekua and was owner of Sunlights Hawaii.

He was caretaker of Keolanahihi Heiau, named for a powerful ruler in the 1300s and the niece of a high priest. The site includes five heiau and is known for a nearby surfing site.

In an interview in 2007 with the Koani Foundation, Kanuha said he hoped that the site would be used as an area to educate youths about Hawaiian history and culture.

"It is time to malama the aina and bring it back so that our children can be educated here," said Kanuha, a retired commercial diver and former member of the Hawaii Fishery Commission.

Kanuha is survived by wife Diane; sons Clement III "C.J.," Troy "Kepa," Ty, Kyle, Alex and Cade "Keawe"; brothers Jerome and Zachary; and sisters Lovena "Pocho" Youderian, Rosemary Kanuha and Monica Pelekane.

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 8 at the Old Kona Airport’s Makae’o Events Pavilion, starting at 9 a.m.

Ashes will be scattered Jan. 9 by family on canoes leaving the beach near Hulihe’e Palace.