Waimanalo will honor hometown boy and radio personality "Krash Kealoha" on Dec. 11, with its annual Christmas parade and a celebration of life.

Kealoha, whose real name was Victor Hoonani Opiopio, died Thanksgiving Day at his home in Waimanalo after suffering from cancer. He was 61.

"We would like to dedicate this year’s parade to Krash Kealoha on behalf of the good people of Waimanalo," said Andrew Jamila Jr., Waimanalo Christmas Parade founder and coordinator.

Opiopio played a pivotal role in the music associated with the Hawaiian renaissance in the 1970s.

He worked as program director for KCCN and was the key organizer of the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Opiopio got his radio name on the first day of work at KCCN in the late 1960s after tripping and rolling down the stairs.

Radio announcer Lucky Luck, who noticed the fall, dubbed him "Krash Kealoha."

Opiopio’s family will ride in the parade flanked by vehicles from radio stations KCCN FM 100 and Hawaiian 105 KINE.

Immediately following the parade, a celebration of life filled with Hawaiian music will be held from about noon to 5 p.m. at Waimanalo Beach Park.