Farewell Fafa
The
Star-Bulletin reports
on the tragic death of Tahitian master canoe builder Leon "Fafa" Toofa, who died
Saturday evening after being swept out to sea during a coastal fishing trip in
East Maui. Toofa was among a group of master canoe builders from other Pacific
islands to participate in 2000 and 2002 in canoe-building events during the
annual International Festival of Canoes in Lahaina. He helped to supervise the
harvesting of logs for canoe carving from East Maui forests. I didn't know him
too well myself, but a lot of people here in Hana had worked with him, learned
from him, and had a great respect for him, and he will be
missed.UPDATE:
The
Maui
News has a good obit
piece
on Fafa as well.UPDATE 6/30:
The
Advertiser
has the AP obit
today.UPDATE 7//3:
The
Maui
News has
details
on his service to be held Wednesday, and efforts to raise funds to assist with
expenses for Toofa’s family and for returning Toofa’s remains to
Tahiti.
Posted: Tue - June 28, 2005 at 08:47 AM