Hailed as a happy, healthy Anahola boy, pro surfer Emery Kauanui Jr. will be remembered in a way that honors how he lived his life: on the water. Two paddle-outs are scheduled to pay tribute to Kauanui’s memory in Anahola
Hailed as a happy, healthy Anahola boy, pro surfer Emery Kauanui Jr. will be remembered in a way that honors how he lived his life: on the water.
Two paddle-outs are scheduled to pay tribute to Kauanui’s memory in Anahola and at Prince Kuhio Park on June 16 and 17, respectively.
Just 24 years old, Kauanui died May 28, four days after four men allegedly beat him in La Jolla, Calif.
Kauanui, affectionately known by fans as “The Flying Kauaian,” was sponsored by Liquid Foundation, Rip Curl, Jen Optics and Placebo Surfboards. He was a talented, agile athlete who led a simple life, family members said.
The tragic news has taken its toll on the family, especially on Kauanui’s father.
Emery Kauanui Sr. suffered a stroke Monday, a week after his son’s death and the same day one of the accused murderers posted bail. He was released from the hospital yesterday and is recovering at home, his wife, Piilani Kauanui, said.
One of the men accused of killing Kauanui is Matthew Yanke, who made his $1 million bail Monday. Yanke then promptly checked into an alcohol rehab center, a move that Kauanui’s stepmother said she viewed as a cop-out.
“For me, that’s an excuse that alcohol was the reason,” she said.
San Diego police did not contact the Kauanui family after the incident. The parents learned of their son’s beating after one of his California friends saw the story on the local television news, she said.
The family then was called by another friend after Emery Kauanui passed away.
California news outlets reported that Kauanui was attacked at the home of his mother, Cindy Kauanui, after the men followed him there.
Neither Mónica Muñoz, the San Diego Police Department’s public spokeswoman, nor Public Information Officer Gary Hassen, returned phone calls from The Garden Island regarding the case.
Judge Jeffrey Fraser set bail for the other suspects ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million for Orlando Osuna, 22; Eric House, 20; and Seth Cravens, 21.
According to MSNBC, prosecutor Genaro Ramirez said the attackers call themselves the Bird Rock Bandits, a “gang” that is responsible for several other assaults in the area.
Kauanui, who always wanted to be around friends and family, allegedly spilled a drink on one of the men before they followed him to his mother’s house to beat him up, Piilani Kauanui said.
Remembering the happy-go-lucky surfer on-island is what he would have wanted, she added.
Both memorial services are open to the public. The first is slated to begin at 3 p.m. on June 16 at the spot known as The Pillars, just off the Anahola campground.
Those who are interested in helping the family are invited to bring anything they feel comfortable donating such as food, chairs, soda, juice, flowers or tents, she said.
Hoping the day will pay homage to the surfing hero, Piilani Kauanui said, “We want everyone to get a chance to paddle out and say their last good-byes.”
The second memorial will be held at 3 p.m. the following day at the surf spot off Prince Kuhio Park known as PKs on the South Shore.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
