Pahinui getting better, plans to attend festival

Slack key guitarist Cyril Pahinui is recovering from lung surgery but said this month he plans to attend the annual Gabby Pahinui Waimanalo Kanikapila Festival, which is named for his late father.

Pahinui, the oldest son of slack key guitar legend Gabby Pahinui, is expected to be released soon from the Queen’s Medical Center pending arrangements to undergo rehabilitation elsewhere and continue his hemodialysis, his physician, Dr. Joana Magno, said Thursday.

With family members at his side during a news conference, Pahinui said he is appreciative of well wishes from the public.

“I’m thankful for all the people and prayers. I mean, what a gift!” exclaimed Pahinui, who will will turn 66 on April 21.

Raised in Waimanalo with his brothers Martin and Bla, Cyril Pahinui has performed at Carnegie Hall twice, is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner and was an early member of the well-known Sunday Manoa and Peter Moon bands.

His father was a member of the legendary musical group Sons of Hawaii, a major exponent of Hawaiian music. Cyril Pahinui met many of the best Hawaiian music artists when they came to play with his father in their backyard in Waimanalo.

Pahinui was admitted to the hospital after experiencing lung complications, including difficulty breathing. Magno said he underwent surgery about a month ago to reduce scarring in his lungs. “He really did well,” she said.

Magno said that she was surprised with the speed of his recovery. “He’s bound and determined to get better.”

She said Pahinui might need to remain on oxygen for a while during rehabilitation but that his hemodialysis situation was stable.

Pahinui’s daughter, Andrea, said her father has been singing a little and trying to play the ukulele.

“I’m very happy he’s getting much better,” she said.

Andrea Pahinui said at one point her family was told there was no hope for him to improve his condition, but the surgery has helped.

About a month and a half ago, she said, Cyril Pahinui’s brothers visited her father and sang together in his hospital room. “To see my family together was an awesome thing,” she said.

The ninth annual Kanikapila Festival is set for 10 a.m. April 23 at Waimanalo Beach Park.

“It’s a good thing. I hope it continues forever and ever,” Pahinui said of the free event.