'Hawaii Five-0' Star Gilbert Kauhi Dies

HONOLULU - Gilbert Lani Kauhi, a member of the original cast of the 'Hawaii Five-0' television series, died Monday. He was 66.

His mother, Emma Kauhi, said the actor died in Hilo Medical Center of complications from diabetes.

Kauhi, nicknamed Zulu, was a popular Waikiki beachboy when he joined the CBS police drama for its first season. He was cast as Detective Kono Kalakaua, the burly Hawaiian sidekick to the show's star, Jack Lord.

He stayed with the show for four seasons but was fired after an altercation with the show's publicist.

The show helped launch a successful entertainment career for Kauhi, who sang and joked to packed houses in and around Waikiki.

'I know those were his enjoyable days,' his mother said. 'He was always full of excitement and he had many friends.'

Actor James MacArthur, who played Danny 'Danno' Williams on the show, wept when he learned of the death.

'I have many happy memories of Zulu,' he said. 'On 'Five-0,' he helped us understand how to say those Hawaiian words. I'll miss him.' "