Malani Bilyeu’s funeral set for Jan. 12 at Kawaiaha‘o
STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 3
Malani Bilyeu, left, performs with Japanese artist Hirai Dai at The Republik on Dec. 3. Bilyeu, a founding member of the contemporary local music group Kalapana, died Dec. 27 on Kauai at 69 years old. His funeral has been set for 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 12 at Kawaiahao Church.
A funeral for Hawaii musician Malani Bilyeu has been set for 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 12 at Kawaiahao Church.
Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.
Bilyeu, a founding member of the contemporary local music group Kalapana, died Dec. 27 on Kauai at the age of 69.
Raised in Kalihi Valley, Bilyeu was a 26-year-old Vietnam vet when he founded Kalapana with Mackey Feary, D.J. Pratt and Kirk Thompson in 1974. The Na Hoku Hanohano-award winning group drifted apart by 1980 but re-formed with a new lineup and continues to perform. The band released a 20-song anthology, “Black Sand: The Best of Kalapana,” last year.
Bilyeu, who is survived by his wife and seven children, also enjoyed a solo career. One of his songs, “Sweet Home Molokai,” became a local favorite.
Donations to help defray the cost of the funeral arrangements are being accepted at First Hawaiian Bank branches under the account “Friends of Malani Bilyeu” or via gofundme.com.
