David E. Peterson

David "Kawika" Eugene Peterson Sr. was born on October 3, 1954, in Honolulu, Hawai i, to Winona Elmira Peterson (Hau oli) and Orville Delbert Peterson. He grew up as the eldest of five and the only boy, followed by sisters Darlene Souza, Debra Rose, Dynell Akau, and Juanita Green (deceased). He was raised and surrounded by music, ohana, and the deep roots of the Wai anae coast; a place he would always call home.

Alumni of Waianae High School's Class of 1972, Kawika was already well known in his youth as a musical prodigy. He began playing ukulele at the age of four while living in Washington. Upon returning to Hawai i at around the age of ten, he quickly immersed himself in School Band. During the time of Waianae Intermediate and High School, he was one of very few students who played nearly every instrument (trumpet, drums, piano, guitar, bass, harmonica, saxophone, vocals and more). His skills led him to begin his professional musical career during his adolescence playing music throughout Waikiki. He became the charismatic lead of the family band called The Rolling Coconuts, performing alongside his cousins, aunt, and friend (Danny Couch, Lionel and Solomon Kaleiopu, Ernest Dela Cruz, Aunt Pat Hau oli, and Charlie Bargas). He continued his professional musical career for many years continuing with bands like Synergy and more.

Music remained the great love of Kawika's life. He spent decades as a musician known for his soulful voice, dazzling skills, and ability to make any song his own. His musical journey touched countless lives across Hawai i and Japan.

In 1974, Kawika married Shelley Ng.Together, they shared five children (4 girls, 1 boy): Regina "Reggi Girl," Rochelle "Rokki," Roberta "Robbi," Rishanna "Rikki," and David Jr. "D.J." He was also blessed with 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Reggi Girl gave him two grandsons, Charles-Josephus (Nui), and Elias (Pomaikai). Rokki gave him three, Tia Jolie, Sage, and Seth. Robbi gave him Philip Jerome, Elijah Jeremiah, Anthony Johnson, Dominick-Johnston, Gabrielle, Micah Jonah, and Robby Jasper; of which, Philip (#2 grandson), gave Papa his two great grandchildren, Ellie and Ren. Rikki gave him Ramsey, Gianna, and River, along with stepchildren Ravyn and Rayce. And D.J. gave him Jordan and Martin.

Later in life through music, he met his second wife and "Endless Love," Carlotta Diana Rose, and his family grew to include step-children Sean, Diona, and Janella, all of whom he loved and embraced as his own. One of the most fondest moments during this time was sharing a small three bedroom home, full of both biological & step children. This home then also included cousins.

In 1991, Kawika became a widower after the passing of his beloved 2nd wife, Carlotta Diana Rose Peterson, yet he carried her memory with him throughout his life and never married thereafter.

In 1999, Kawika shifted his gifts toward a new kind of calling, serving families as a Social Services Assistant IV with the State of Hawai i's Child Welfare Services. For twenty two years, he dedicated himself to protecting keiki and uplifting families throughout the west coast of Oahu. Colleagues, friends, and families alike have spoken of the tremendous impact he had, offering compassion, honesty, and hope during difficult times.

Kawika is remembered not only for his handsome presence and musical brilliance, but also for his wisdom, generosity, and enduring spirit. His favorite quote reflected his way of life.

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to your divinity, or whatever you know to be/is god." someone who knows nothing and everything.

Kawika's life was a melody of love, music, service, laughter, aloha, and ohana. His voice and musical videos remain for everyone to share. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and our Endless Love!

We love you Daddy! We love you Papa! We love you Pop Pop!