This week, the winds on the island are a little calmer. David Hekili Kenui Bell, the well-known actor who made Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch so warm and hilarious, died at age 46. Hawai’i police confirmed that he left abruptly on June 12 and said there was no reason to suspect foul play. As the world mourns, everyone who knew him and those who only knew his smile remember the man who embodied aloha in every way.
A gentle giant who illuminated the screen and more
David Bell was more than just an actor. He was a neighborhood hero, brother, and storyteller. Bell grew up with the spirit of the islands. He was best recognized for his performance in Lilo & Stitch, although he also appeared in Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0, and as the joyful voice greeting tourists over the public address system at Kona Airport. In a heartfelt Facebook tribute that has already gone viral among friends and followers, his sister Jalene Kanani Bell described him as “a joy of a human.” Here is Jalene’s original post.
Just two weeks before his death, Bell hosted his family for the premiere of Lilo & Stitch in Kapolei. He got the best seats, smiled for photos, and enjoyed seeing fans dressed in Stitch clothes. That night was more than just a movie; it was a celebration of dreams being realized.
The Legacy
A Heritage David Bell’s impact on narrative and the concept of Aloha extended beyond film. His passion for voice acting made him joyful and famous throughout Hawai’i, where visitors came to know and admire his voice. His upbeat personality and down-to-earth humility made him stand out among coworkers and audiences.
People have been sending in condolences from all around, like talent agency Lashauna Downie, who named him “one of my best talents… a gentle giant” in a heartfelt letter to People. Gerard Elmore, a director known for his work in Hawai’i’s independent film sector, also paid tribute on Instagram, calling David “a light that could fill any room.”
The cause of death remains unknown until an autopsy is performed, but the anguish is palpable. Bell’s final post, made just a few days before his death, showed him smiling over shaved ice and mentioning Fandango: “Whenever I’m having a bad day, I think of this guy.”
David Hekili Kenui Bell leaves behind a community rich in memories, laughter, and a spirit of aloha that will never fade. He was, and will always be, a brilliant and shining light.
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