Tivaini Tatofi, an original member of Hawaiian music super group, Kapena, and his family entertained the patients, doctors and staff at Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center on Dec. 23 with an array of Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and oldies songs and hula.
Tivaini Tatofi, an original member of Hawaiian music super group, Kapena, and his family entertained the patients, doctors and staff at Hilo Medical Center’s Hawaii Pacific Oncology Center on Dec. 23 with an array of Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian and oldies songs and hula.
The family, along with members of the Free Church of Tonga, wanted to spread holiday cheer and show their appreciation for the oncology center’s care of Tivaini’s father, the Rev. Tupou Tatofi, the patriarch of the family and leader of the church.
“We wanted to give back to the community, but particularly to the hospital and the center, not only for the love and hospitality that they’ve shown our family personally in the last couple of months, but also for the love and care they share with us all year round,” said Tivaini Tatofi. “We can’t thank the doctors and staff enough for their time and care. We appreciate all that they do for us and the community.”
“The Tatofi family has shown a tremendous amount of appreciation for our physicians and staff and the care their loved ones received,” said Howard Ainsley, East Hawaii Regional CEO. “I thank them for taking the time during the holiday season to share their talents in music and dance with our patients and staff.”
“The Tatofi family shared so much love and cheer from their hearts,” said Dr. Kevin Wilcox, medical director at the oncology center. “It was wonderful to see so many of our patients and staff made so happy.”
Tivaini’s son, Josh, has followed in his father’s footsteps in music by recently releasing his second album. His song, “Taken,” can be heard on radio stations throughout the state.
Tivaini’s daughters set their sights on careers in health care. Elizabeth, his oldest daughter, is in her second year of medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine and is interested in pediatric medicine, with a possible emphasis on cardiology.
His two younger daughters, Lavinia and Vika, are at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hilo, respectively. Both hope to enroll in their schools’ nursing programs.