As a way to pay tribute to one of Hawaii’s most famous performers, Don Ho, limited edition T-Shirts went on sale in several hotels on Waikiki last week. Shirts were designed by the Ho family as a way for fans and others to pay their respects. Fans lined up early and waited hours to own their piece of history.While many fans left after growing tired of having to wait four or five hours for a shirt, those who waited were very pleased. “I got a couple of them. My friend, he wanted a large, and I got an extra large. (You) can't come to Waikiki and not get a shirt. He has been here forever and ever. You just have to do it -- it's a tribute," said one fan.
Another fan, who remembers Ho fondly said, “My mother died, and he came down to the service on the beach and sang at her funeral. We were really touched. He was important to our family, and it was really important for me to come here from Maui and get this shirt."
The family decided to have 1,000 shirts printed, so other vendors began selling T-Shirts honouring Ho. These shirts contained different images and were more expensive, but for those who really wanted a shirt, and could not buy one of the limited edition shirts, this was the next best thing. Sellers of these shirts claimed they were giving the money to the family so it could be used for charity.
Since his passing, CD’s and other recordings of Don Ho’s have increased in sales both online and in stores all around the world.
(c)Simon McConico, www.sxc.hu
