Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Monday, December 9, 2024 75° Today's Paper


Top News

Famed isle musician Roland Cazimero is dead at 66

JOHN BERGER / 2008

Robert and Roland Cazimero at the Hawaii Theatre in 2008. Roland died at Straub Medical Center after several years of declining health.

Roland Cazimero — a multi-Hoku-Award-winning singer, musician, song writer and recording artist and one-half of the Brothers Cazimero — died Sunday night at Straub Medical Center after several years of declining health. He was 66.

His death was confirmed by a family friend as well as his sister, Kanoe, who spoke with Hawaii News Now by phone.

Cazimero first made history as a member of the Sunday Manoa with his older brother, kumu hula Robert Cazimero and Peter Moon in the early 1970s. He and Robert founded the Brothers Cazimero in 1975.

The Brothers Cazimero won numerous Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in the years that followed.

Cazimero also received Hoku Awards for his work as a solo artist, for his work as a member of the musical group, Hokule‘a, and as a member of the all-star quartet that recorded “Broken Promise” in 1991.

The duo was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and received the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Survivors include his wife, Lauwa‘e Ah Mau Cazimero, children Hawai‘iki Cazimero, John Devin Kumau C. McWilliams, Jonah Cazimero, Jordan Malama Cazimero-Chinen, and Justin Pono Cazimero-Chinen, brothers Rodney and Robert, and twin sister Kanoe “Tootsie” Cazimero.

Correction: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect last name for Jonah Cazimero.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.