HONOLULU, Hawaii – The passing of 75 year old Kalapana-legend Robert Keliihoomalu Sr, an iconic figure in Puna, was recognized on the floor of the senate on Thursday.

Puna’s State Senator Russell Ruderman honored the memory of “Uncle Robert” by sharing with the Capitol lawmakers a little bit of what made Keliihoomalu so special. The kupuna was patriarch of the musical family that ran the popular Uncle Robert’s Awa Club in Kaimu.

The video above combines a state senate livestream with video of Uncle Robert filmed a few short weeks ago by Kerri Marks of Occupy Hilo, at the Keliihoomalu compound during the recent legislative session of the Lawful Hawaiian Government.

Uncle Robert died peacefully on Feb. 15, 2015 at his Kaimu home.