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Hawaiian musician Martin Pahinui dies

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STAR-ADVERTISER / 1997

Famed musician Martin Pahinui died at his home in Waimanalo. He was the son of musician Gabby Pahinui.

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JAMM AQUINO / 2014

Musician Martin Pahinui performed with numerous groups, including with his father in the Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, the Peter Moon Band, the Young Fascination, Hawaiian Expressions, the Pahinui Brothers, and Hui Aloha.

Martin Pahinui, son of famed Hawaiian musician Gabby Pahinui and a musician, vocalist, and Hoku Award-winning recording artist, died today at his home in Waimanalo, his family said. He was 65.

Pahinui had been struggling with cancer, a family statement said.

Born and raised in Waimanalo, Pahinui was the youngest of 10 children from Gabby and Emily Pahinui. He performed with numerous artists, including with his father in the Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band. He also performed with the Peter Moon Band, the Young Fascination, Hawaiian Expressions, the Pahinui Brothers, and Hui Aloha.

He was known for his soulful voice, but also was a talented bass, guitar, and slack key guitar player.

He earned seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards between 1983 and 1988 as a member of the Peter Moon Band during the peak of the group’s popularity and sang lead vocals on several of the group’s biggest hits.

It was during his years with the Peter Moon Band that Pahinui became known as a soulful pop music vocalist.

He is survived by his wife Ruth and sons Gabby and Kale. Other survivors include his brothers James Daniel “Bla” and Cyril Lani along with numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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