By Stephanie Salazar

Over a thousand mourners bid a final aloha to Kona waterman and conservationist Clemente “Junior” Kanuha this past weekend.

The ashes of Kanuha were spread into the blue ocean at Lymans Surf Spot, a location that Junior had labored hard to preserve during his lifetime.

The 61 year old Kanuha passed away on December 18 after a bought with prostate cancer. Junior was owner of Sunlights Hawaii, a commercial fisherman, a historical preservationist, and one of the family members who created the Betty C. Kanuha Foundation in honor of their mother.  

Junior is survived by his wife Diane and their sons Clement III, Troy, Ty, Kyle, Alex, and Cade.  He is also survived by his brothers Zachary and Jerome, sisters Rosemary, Monica, and Lovena (Pocho), and their families.

Eulogizing the Hawaiian legend at this memorial service, Mayor Billy Kenoi declared January 8th as “Junior Kanuha Day” in Hawaii County.