Robert Kekaula, the managing editor at KITV and a longtime Hawaii sports broadcaster, died Saturday morning.
Kekaula was raised in Kailua-Kona His family released a statement Saturday announcing his death.
“We have heavy hearts this morning as our ohana has lost its mighty wings. Robert Kaleimomi Kekaula passed peacefully at 8:25 a.m. surrounded by his family,” the statement said. “He lived his life his own way and was so much to so many people. His heart was full of love for his family, sports, and most of all music.
“Our wings are broken but we will fly again one day. And Robert will fly beside us and continue to guide us along the way. Mahalo to everyone who touched his life along this journey. Aloha ‘Oe to our father, partner, brother, uncle and friend. We ask for privacy as we get through this difficult time.”
The cause of death is unknown.
Kekaula was the color commentator for Hawaii football on radio and television from 1992-2010. He was recently a play-by-play announcer for the Rainbow Warriors’ football games.
“We are heartbroken by the news of Robert’s passing. We mourn with the Kekaula ohana and express our condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Robert was truly a legend in sports broadcasting in the state of Hawaii and as the voice of University of Hawaii Football. He loved UH sports with a passion. He bled green and white,” the University of Hawaii athletic department said in a press release. “In over 25 years covering Rainbow Warrior Football on both radio and television, Robert witnessed our biggest wins and most painful losses. Not only was he an announcer, but he was a friend to many of our coaches, student-athletes, and staff members. UH Athletics has truly lost one of our own. Rest in Aloha, Robert.”