The Billy Kenoi ‘ohana will be hosting a celebration of life in honor of the late former Hawaii County mayor.
Kenoi passed away at age 52 on Jan. 26, 2021, after a long battle with myelofibrosis, a rare form of leukemia.
Three years after her husband’s passing, Takako Kenoi hopes to bring the community together to celebrate his life with music, food and conversation.
“It will be three years on Friday, and because of COVID, we couldn’t have any official funeral,” she said. “We are inviting everyone to come share stories, listen to music and just celebrate Billy’s life.”
The celebration will be more of gathering rather than a ceremony, with Hawaii musicians playing throughout the day and light pupus available for those in attendance.
“We have done an ash-scattering, but we still have part of him, and will have him there for his friends and family,” Kenoi said. “While it was hard not having a ceremony for him three years ago, it’s better late than never. It will be great to see everyone.”
The celebration of life event will be open to the community from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.