Introduction:
- Beloved Hawaiian Actor: David Hekili Kenui Bell, known for his role in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025), passed away on June 12, 2025, at age 46.
- No Cause Disclosed: His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his passing, with an autopsy pending to determine the cause.
- Community Impact: Tributes highlight his warmth, talent, and contributions to Hawaiian culture and entertainment.
- Ongoing Investigation: Hawai’i police report no foul play, but details remain limited.
Who Was David Hekili Kenui Bell?
David Hekili Kenui Bell, a native Hawaiian actor, captured hearts with his role as the “Shave Ice Guy” in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch remake, released in May 2025. His sudden passing on June 12, 2025, at age 46, has left fans and the Hawaiian community in mourning. Known for his authentic portrayal of Hawaiian culture, Bell’s legacy spans television, film, and community service.
What Happened?
Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, shared the news of his death on Facebook, describing him as a “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome” brother. While no official cause of death has been released, Hawai’i police have confirmed no foul play is suspected, and an autopsy is scheduled. The entertainment world is grieving the loss of a rising star whose recent role brought joy to audiences worldwide.
Why His Legacy Matters
Bell’s contributions to Lilo & Stitch and shows like Magnum P.I. and Hawaii Five-0 showcased his talent and pride in his Hawaiian heritage. His work as a Kona Brew ambassador and voiceover artist at Kona International Airport further highlighted his commitment to his community. As tributes pour in, it’s clear Bell’s warmth and aloha spirit will continue to inspire.
David Hekili Kenui Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actor, Passes Away at 46: Life and Legacy
Early Life and Cultural Roots
David Hekili Kenui Bell was born and raised in Kaimukī, Oʻahu, Hawaii, where he was deeply connected to his Hawaiian heritage. He attended Punahou and Kalani schools, environments that nurtured his early interest in the arts. According to his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, their father spoke Hawaiian, which likely influenced David’s ability to deliver performances with cultural authenticity, blending English, Indigenous knowledge, and Pidgin. Before his acting career, Bell worked at Kona International Airport, where his warm voiceovers on the P.A. system enhanced the traveler experience, reflecting his commitment to community service.
Career Highlights and Achievements
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s acting career was marked by a series of impactful roles that highlighted his versatility and charm. He gained early recognition for his appearances in popular television series, including:
- Magnum P.I.: Bell played Manu Saluni in two episodes (2018-2019), showcasing his ability to bring depth to supporting roles.
- Hawaii Five-0: He portrayed Isaac in a 2014 episode, further establishing his presence in Hawaii-based productions.
His breakout role came in Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch (IMDb), where he played the “Big Hawaiian Dude,” a comedic character who drops his shave ice upon witnessing alien activity—a nod to the Ice Cream Man from the 2002 animated classic. The film, released on May 23, 2025, has grossed over $850 million worldwide, and Bell’s performance was praised for its humor and heart. He shared his excitement for the role on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes photos and his audition tape, which endeared him to fans.
At the time of his passing, Bell was involved in post-production for The Wrecking Crew, an upcoming action-comedy starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, set for release by Amazon MGM Studios (Deadline). As a member of SAG-AFTRA, Bell was poised for further success in the industry, making his sudden death all the more poignant.
| Role | Project | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Hawaiian Dude | Lilo & Stitch (2025) | 2025 | Comedic role, drops shave ice at alien sighting |
| Manu Saluni | Magnum P.I. | 2018-2019 | Supporting role in two episodes |
| Isaac | Hawaii Five-0 | 2014 | Guest appearance in one episode |
| TBD | The Wrecking Crew | Post-2025 | Role in post-production at time of passing |
Circumstances Surrounding His Passing
David Hekili Kenui Bell passed away on June 12, 2025, at 2:26 p.m., as confirmed by Hawai’i police to People Magazine. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced the news on June 15 via a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, “It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father.” No official cause of death has been disclosed, and authorities have launched a coroner’s inquest, with an autopsy scheduled to determine the exact cause. Police have ruled out foul play, but the investigation remains ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered.
Tributes and Community Response
The announcement of Bell’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from family, colleagues, and fans. Jalene Kanani Bell’s Facebook tribute included cherished memories, such as their family outing to the Lilo & Stitch premiere in Kapolei, where David treated them to the best seats and shared popcorn, dreaming of shave ice. She described him as a “diamond in the rough” and a “Prince of a Man,” emphasizing his unconditional love and joy for life.
Bell’s agent, Lashauna Downie, shared with [TMZ]([invalid url, do not cite]) that he was a “gentle giant” who embodied the true meaning of aloha. Social media platforms like X and Reddit saw an influx of tributes, with one X post stating, “I’m very sad to inform that Mr. David Hekili Kenui Bell (Snow Cone Guy) has passed away… We will miss you” ([Reel News Hawaii]([invalid url, do not cite])). A Reddit user on [r/entertainment]([invalid url, do not cite]) wrote, “Loved his scenes in the remake, got some genuinely big laughs from my audience. May he rest in peace.” These responses underscore Bell’s ability to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s legacy is deeply tied to his representation of Hawaiian culture in the entertainment industry. His role in Lilo & Stitch brought authentic Hawaiian humor and spirit to a global audience, contributing to the film’s success and cultural resonance. His sister noted his unique ability to deliver lines with a blend of English, Indigenous knowledge, and Pidgin, making him a standout talent. Beyond acting, Bell’s work as a Kona Brew ambassador and his voiceovers at Kona International Airport highlighted his dedication to enhancing the community experience in Hawaii.
His untimely death, just weeks after Lilo & Stitch’s release, has sparked reflection on the importance of supporting emerging actors, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Bell’s contributions to Hawaiian representation in media and his embodiment of aloha will continue to inspire future generations of performers and storytellers.Also visit fontechzoom.com
Addressing Age Discrepancy in Reports
Some reports, such as ScreenRant and Entertainment Weekly, initially stated Bell was 57 at the time of his death. However, more reliable sources, including People Magazine and Variety, confirm he was 46. The discrepancy likely stems from a typographical error, and the majority of sources align on 46 as the correct age, supported by police confirmation.
| Source | Reported Age | Date of Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| People Magazine | 46 | June 12, 2025 | Police confirmation, autopsy pending |
| Variety | 46 | June 12, 2025 | Sister’s announcement |
| ScreenRant | 57 | June 12, 2025 | Likely error, outlier |
| Entertainment Weekly | 57 | June 12, 2025 | Likely error, outlier |
| Deadline | 46 | June 12, 2025 | Family confirmation |
Conclusion
David Hekili Kenui Bell’s passing at the age of 46 is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and the Hawaiian community. His talent, warmth, and dedication to his craft and culture left an indelible mark, from his memorable role in Lilo & Stitch to his contributions at Kona Airport. As we await further details on his passing, we honor his memory by celebrating his achievements and the aloha he shared with the world. Fans are encouraged to share their memories in the comments and consider supporting SAG-AFTRA’s emergency assistance fund to aid actors in need.For more information visit truevoria.com
FAQs: David Hekili Kenui Bell and Lilo & Stitch:
Who Was David Hekili Kenui Bell in Lilo & Stitch?
David Hekili Kenui Bell played the “Shave Ice Guy” in Disney’s 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, a comedic role where he drops his shave ice seeing aliens.
Who Was David Hekili Kenui Bell?
Hawaiian actor from Kaimukī, Oʻahu, known for Lilo & Stitch (2025), Magnum P.I., and Hawaii Five-0. He passed away at 46 on June 12, 2025.
Who Plays David in Lilo & Stitch Live-Action?
Kaipo Dudoit plays David Kawena, Nani’s love interest, in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, not David Hekili Kenui Bell.
Are David and Nani Dating?
Yes, David Kawena and Nani Pelekai are romantically involved in both the 2002 animated and 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch.
How Old Is Lilo Now?
Lilo is about 6-7 years old in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, consistent with the 2002 animated film.
Is Stitch a Boy or Girl?
Stitch is typically referred to as male in Lilo & Stitch, though as an alien, gender is not explicitly defined.
Does Lilo Have a Crush?
Lilo, being a young child, does not have a romantic crush in Lilo & Stitch (2002 or 2025); her focus is on friendship and family.
Does Lilo Love Nani?
Yes, Lilo deeply loves her older sister, Nani, who is her guardian in both the animated and live-action Lilo & Stitch. Their bond is central to the story.
