Wili Moku, 1956 - 2004
HAWAII RADIO & TELEVISION GUIDE MESSAGE BOARD POSTINGS (Archived)
Posted on 29/01/04 9:41:36 PM
Author: Jed C
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
oh wow, i had no idea he passed today. im fairly young so my memories would be of him doing middays on kqmq. although not a big fan of oldies radio, i would enjoy his weekend show on kgmz. he will remian a radio legend here in hawaii.
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Posted on 29/01/04 9:46:27 PM
Author: tvguy
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
I remember listening to him in the late 70s on KORL 65 AM. I thought he had the coolest radio voice.
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Posted on 29/01/04 9:50:27 PM
Author: HaynKikaida
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Heartfelt condolences to his ohana.
I remember him as the headline DJ of KQMQ in the 80's. Certainly one my favorite and most memorable DJ's of that era.
Emmy Tomimbang (spelling?) did an "Emmy's Island Moments" special recently on Wili Moku and Robert Cazimero and their bout with diabetes. Very touching show that brings a reality check to the danger of this growing epidemic in our nation.
Wili will be missed dearly.
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Posted on 29/01/04 9:59:04 PM
Author: jethrot
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Aloha Wili. I will always remember every Saturday
when Wili would say it's another Kanakapile (sp?)weekend.
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Posted on 29/01/04 10:53:27 PM
Author: shelby
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
William Saragosa (Moku) Waipahu High grad 1974. Already an accomplished musician in HS and went to Columbia School of Broadcasting. Met Steve Clarke (Blind Date Boogie) interned and got first shot in the 70's on KORL 65am when overnight jock didnt show up. His first night was disastrous and Wili would laugh about it. His first wife Terry would let people hear the tape as a joke and Wili would get really embarassed.
He was a genuinely good guy. Quick witted but not mean spirited. I remember him being so excited about creating the first 93FMQ bumpersticker logo, the one with the guy bodysurfing through the Q.
Wow how time flew by.
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Posted on 30/01/04 05:56:52 AM
Author: Lolo Paka
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
truly a loss...
I remember the Mr.T parody commercial he did in the 80's for KQMQ (the "letting the air out of your cat one")...
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Posted on 30/01/04 05:58:38 AM
Author: mediaveteran
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
All we local folks can be proud of what "the original radio moke" brought to Hawaii radio. In my opinion, he opened doors for local personalities, bringing "local style" to Top 40 radio.
"Kanikapila" is the word -- and when I read what you wrote, Jethrot, I could "hear" him cheerily saying that. Thanks for sharing the memory.
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Posted on 30/01/04 07:00:53 AM
Author: DC
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
I never knew him personally, but always thought he was such a nice guy. He once let me in the door at KKUA during the mid eighties. I was there to see a friend of mine who worked weekends there. He laughed and told her "Eh, some big haoule guy is here and he says he knows you. He looks like trouble". He was cool. He also let me in. We'll miss you, Wili...
DC
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Posted on 30/01/04 11:57:04 AM
Author: Ti Leaf
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Willy always played great music on his guitar and on the air. I'll always remember him jamming on his black Washburn Guitar and singing a Tom Petty, "She a Good Girl....."
Always a big smile and great laugh. I talked to him at the "Q" when his daughter was born and call him the "Fatherman".
Miss ya Willy
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Posted on 30/01/04 12:20:37 PM
Author: Erika Engle
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Wili was a man of faith - and as such I know he's in heaven, welcomed by the Almighty and greeted by my beloved Cliff.
I can just imagine the fully restored Wili playing praise and worship music LOCAL STYLE and Cliff's voice roaring from the crowd, "Hana hou!!!"
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Posted on 30/01/04 2:14:23 PM
Author: HaynKikaida
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Today in the Star Bulletin...
http://starbulletin.com/2004/01/30/news/story6.html
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Posted on 30/01/04 2:40:52 PM
Author: Erika Engle
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
It's already linked on the HawaiiRadioTV.com main page.
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Posted on 30/01/04 3:38:54 PM
Author: RandyHudnall
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Wili was just in the studio (on Wednesday) he was very up beat and his attitude was great. We talked about how he has come back and how he helped so many to deal with their illness. He became an insipiration to many who suffered with diabetes and kidney failure. Enjoyed reading all the special messages. Aloha Wili!!
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Posted on 30/01/04 5:01:22 PM
Author: Riko
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
I think Wili was great and it showed in the way he talked to people.I met him one day a talked to him about radio and being a dj.He was always friendly and cheerful.
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Posted on 30/01/04 7:36:15 PM
Author: Riko
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
I met Wili a about a year ago ,He was very friendly and we talked a bout radio and dj stuff for about ten minutes .I am glad I met the man.I will miss him and Hawaii will miss on the radio.
I think the crew who hired him at Cox was cool to keep him working. To PD John and all who were responsible I think they will all miss him.
Aloha Wili Moku
Riko
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Posted on 30/01/04 11:37:57 PM
Author: shelby
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Oh boy,
It's been a day of reminiscing for me about Wili.
The astounding thing to me is that although I met him a long time ago, the memories are fresh and clear. Equally astounding is, today I realized that he was just 21 at the time. He seemed a lot older to this teenaged girl.
What I will always remember is how "comfortable" it was to be around him. Those who knew him can relate.
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Posted on 01/02/04 02:20:50 AM
Author: Sam the Man
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
When i first got hired for 93.1 KQMQ back in November 1997, Cliff and Erika was doing mornings and Wili Moku was doing Mid-days. I got hired to do nights from 7p-Midnite and that was a very special time for me. Having a chance to work with Wili and Cliff will be something that i will always remember. 2 awesome guys, that will be missed.
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Posted on 01/02/04 07:30:31 AM
Author: Mike Murry
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Some of my fondest memories are of moments in the Q production room hanging out with Wili. Only worked with him for a short while but he always had a happy "howzit" for me whenever we crossed paths. Have to agree with Erika. You just know that Cliff and Wili are allready talking story in heaven. Love and prayers to both of them.
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Author: Kimo Akane
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Very cool to see eveyones post.
The radio will never sound the same.
Services are 2/10 Tuesday Mililani Mauka Chappel
Viewing 5:30 Services 6:30
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Posted on 02/02/04 1:33:11 PM
Author: Dave Lancaster
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Wili and I met at Columbia school of broadcasting back in 1976. We were the only "local" guys enrolled in the school at the time. We used to hang out all day waiting for thr prod. room to open up so we could get in and "play" disc jockey. We shared a love for guitars and music. We jammed whenever we could. Wili used to come down to The Spindrifter restaurant in the early eighties where I was playing music with my cousin Milton & my friend Mike. It took a little prodding, but we finally got Wili to get up on stage and "WOW" the crowd with his great guitar playing and beautiful voice. I will miss you my brother. I regret not being able to bring myself to see you in your condition after your return to Hawaii out of fear of my own battles with diabetes. It's a regret I will have to live with for the rest of my life. Till I see you next in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, Aloha and I love you! Dave
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Posted on 04/02/04 12:40:11 PM
Author: Robert Villaverde
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Rest in Peace my friend, It was my pleasure to get to know you. In the Hey Day of Radio you were #1,
In life you were an inspiration,and most of all you were a friend to all!
Blessings to your family.
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Posted on 05/02/04 9:23:27 PM
Author: Jeff Kino
Subject: Memorial Service for WILI MOKU
It's very heartwarming to see and hear the different ways that WILI touched people's lives. Of course, I can also hear WILI saying something like..."Ah, come on...'nuf already!"
Just wanted to clarify the information on the memorial service for Wili:
On Tuesday, February 10th, 2004 (next week),
VISITATION begins at 5:00pm.
SERVICE begins at 6:30pm
at MILILANI MEMORIAL PARK in the Mauka Chapel*
Per Wili's request, his family will scatter his ashes at a later date during a private, family gathering.
*Driving directions as follows---(from H1 Ewa bound, take the H2 cutoff. Stay in your right lane and take the Ka Uka Blvd cutoff. Stay in your right lane on the offramp. At the light, take your first RIGHT turn and follow the winding roadway to the entrance of Mililani Memorial Park. Drive forward and take your first RIGHT to take you to the Mauka Chapel, the newer one of the two chapels on site)
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Posted on 07/02/04 5:37:52 PM
Author: The Real Ron O'Neil
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Time is sure fun, that must be why it is flying by so fast! I heard Wili on KORL when I first came over in 1979. Man 0 Man, I love a top 40 jock with energy and charm. We worked together at the Q, (wasn't it New and really Super then?) along with Kimo. He was such a treat and pleasure to be around. Hey Dave, I remember the Spendrifter. Those were the days, my friend, when we would go out alot. And what about going to see Wili play at Toku Sushi?! Wili with his Mokettes (Aunties Jonell, Lilia, Lychee and Nancy) recorded "Addicted to Lunch at my coal mine, Dolphin Sound, back in 1986. This puppy should be turning into a diamond mind anytime now. Hey, and Wili was a Rhythm Puppy (Bunny?..) and opened the CS&N concert at the Blaisdell, Christmas Time 1995. Donna and I brought Carly, her first concert at the age of 3 months. Then time really went into OverHyperDrive. ...! Wili and I are just about pau. No, no it will never be finished. I was blessed with Wili's smile, wit, wisdom and laugh for the last few years digging the 'Hole' as our air shifts crossed rainbows
on Sunday afternoons on Oldies 107.9. I aircheck all my shows and, being the PackRat, save them! Tomorrow, 2/8/2004 (I too, did not realize 40 years could go by so fast) will be what is turning out to be a very, very deep final 'Hole' montage with my/our friend Wili Moku. Turn on your tape recorders for the Hole Hour of 5pm if U like for your own personal copy to keep in your treasure stacks. (tape?) Aloha Wili, thanks for the help and inspiration. I Love You and will miss the dig, making new memories.
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Posted on 11/02/04 11:24:17 AM
Author: Tom Ewing
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
When I was adopted by KQMQ (thank you Kimo) after KKUA went simulcast, I followed Wili after his saturday shift, and other fill-in shifts at the old Amana St. studio. He made it fun to come to work because he would often stay and we'd chat...talk story...eat pizza. My heart just sank when I stumbled on this sad, sad news. He was an inspiration, roll model, awesome co-worker/friend, and will never be forgotten.
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Posted on 12/02/04 01:48:40 AM
Author: JK
Subject: Remembering Wili
On Tuesday, February 10th, 2004, dozens of people went to Mililani Memorial Park to extend their condolenses and well wishes to WILI MOKU's family. There were a crowd gathering even before the start of the 5:00pm visitation. The service began at 6:30pm.
Musical offerings were given by Henry Kapono, Richard Natto, Audy Kimura, Sam Kapu III, and Johnny Helm. Stories, memories, and honorariums were given by Kimo Akane, Emme Tomimbang, Dave Lancaster, Chris Hart, Ron O'Neal, Jeff Kino, and others. There were sounds of laughter and tears of joy and sadness.
No matter how you look at it, the radio industry will never be the same. And for that matter, this world will miss out on the personality that was WILI MOKU.
To send your thoughts and wishes to Wili and his family, go to the following site:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page
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Posted on 12/02/04 10:23:19 AM
Author: Jamie Hyatt, Star 101.9 Programming Director
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Dear friends up and down the dial:
I was Wili's program director at KQMQ from July 1995 to August 1997.
Wili was always on time and always had a great attitude (No matter what the circumstances were).
His ego was always in check. He never asked to be treated like someone famous or even semi famous. He was truly down to earth. Feet were firmly on the ground.
I don't recall Wili complaining about much. He always had a cool demeanor. And to this day, I can still hear his voice, sincere as anyone I've heard on the radio, here or anywhere.
He was fun to hang with outside the station (had a great time boogie-boarding with Wili) and inside the station.
And nearly every day, in those days, Wili ate lunch at Sukenjos, a favorite plate lunch stop in Kakaako across the street from KQMQ when it was on Kapiolani.
I smoked cigarettes at the time and would see Wili nearly every day, scooting across the street in his slippahs about 1PM, cruising to Sukenjos for lunch after he was pau with production. Often, I accompanied him.
He was a local boy, a proud father and a friend to all that came in contact with him. He is very sadly missed and will continue to be missed.
I didn't grow up a local boy in Hawaii but I know that Wili Moku was an example for many a local boy to follow.
Aloha and ahui hou, bra. Godspeed to you. You are truly missed.
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Posted on 20/03/04 8:20:54 PM
Author: Baby Sistah Linda
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Today, March 20th, 2004 was a VERY Special day that will always remain in my heart. I was fortunate enough to take part in the American Diabetes Association...."Walk for Wili", this being my Fourth year in a row to walk. Along with thousands of others like myself and my Beloved Brother Wili Moku, we all pray for a Cure of DIABETES one day. With this kind of commitment it gives us all hope that one day a Cure will be found. I would like to say a great BIG Mahalo from our Ohana. There aren't enough words to express the Thanks and Aloha for all the support everyone has given my Brother and the American Diabetes Association, towards spreading the word these past few years about Diabetes. We must all be more aware of this disease. Wili's legacy is for everyone to become more Educated, be more aware, but most of all, to be more committed to living a healthier lifestyle. My Brother Wili lives in my heart everyday, not a day goes by that I don't miss his presence and laughter but not a day goes by that I know he is in "Perfect Peace"...and that for me is what keeps me going......
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Posted on 21/03/04 6:34:29 PM
Author: HumanNuman
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Sigh. I just read about Wili's passing, 60 days late.
I stumbed into the story and with a sunken heart...I will tell you my story:
I made my first trip to Oahu in 1984. Once I settled in to my room the natural thing to do was scan the radio dial for a good station. Instantly, KQMQ blew me away. The air talent all sounded SO good they could work in ANY size market. I would easily put this station in one of the top 5 best i've ever heard. Wili was just vibin' on the air. He was a natural. He was having a good time on the air. I called him on the request line and asked if I could get a tour. He gave me directions and the next day, I stopped in during his show. I have the camcorder going, and have that recorded for posterity as I walked into the studio. That tape is somewhere in my archives. We clicked as friends, and he invited me to his club gig that night. We hung out and bonded and I met his long-term girlfriend. Wili took me under his wing and away from the tourist traps and into the real Hawaiian life that was going on. We hung out at his apartment. We rode around in his Honda Civic. I was enjoying Hawaii like a local. We parted as good friends. I stayed in touch with him, and returned 2 more times to Hawaii in the next 10 years. Each time, hangin' with the 'Moke' as much as possible. He always treated me like a brother, in fact called me "Bruddah Easy". I think he sensed how much I truly loved the Polynesian people, and that I have alway felt a mystic bond with them. I had moved to Northern California when I last contacted Wili. Someone gave me a phone number and I reached him in the Hawthorne (Los Angeles) area. He had moved there to help a Christian mission. He told me about a daughter he had just named "Dakota", and marryied Angie.
He was his usual self, but told me about a new condition that was taking it's toll on him. He spoke of the possibility of amputation of his legs. He was positive that God had a purpose for it all.
That was the last impression I had of that final conversation. Over the course of the next 5 years, my life was in turmoil. I lost his contact numbers, and the email address I had on him, bounced.
Tonight, I saw his name pop up in Google search for something on Hawaii. And I clicked it to learn my dear friend Wili was gone. I will remember a man, who was always happy, talented, intelligent, generous, friendly to all, and in the end, most importantly, a follower of Christ. "Blessed is he who walks in the name of the Lord" Amen!
Until we meet again Wili...
Easy Randy Street KKBQ 1984
also known by: Cadillac Jack, and Human Numan
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Posted on 25/03/04 8:39:33 PM
Author: mel
Subject: Re: Wili Moku
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Wili Moku here. This topic is now closed and the messages will be sent to the archive site.
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