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Posted: Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 8:35 AM HST

Hawaii mourns the death of musician

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

The Hawaiian Music world today is mourning the death of John Kapualani Koko, the longtime bass player for the Makaha Sons. The 51-year old Koko, who had heart problems, died Monday afternoon at Kaiser Permanente’s Moanalua Medical Center, where he had been awaiting a heart transplant. Koko, his brother Jerome and Louis “Moon” Kauakahi had comprised the latest edition of the award winning group which had shortened its name to Makaha Sons from the Makaha Sons of Ni`ihau following the death of Israel Kamakawiwo`ole. Jerome Koko said the family was planning to meet today to decide on the memorial service and would probably hold a fund-raiser to defray medical expenses.