Arthur Akina, III

Arthur Atai Akina III, adorned his heavenly wings, Friday, February, 12, 2021. He was born December 7, 1943 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Arthur A. Akina, Jr. and Geraldine Kaluakini Akina, both preceded him in death.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Verna Anderson Akina; children, Lynn Ann Akina (Brian Shimamura) of Honolulu Hawaii; Cory Anderson (Phillis) of Little Rock Arkansas; Darryl Anderson of Omaha, Nebraska; Christopher Anderson (Rie) , Tokyo, Japan; Six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two siblings, Ardine Ingraham (Marshall), Kaneohe, Hawaii; and Armand Akina (Francoise), of Kailua, Hawaii and a vast number of relatives and friends.

Arthur (he preferred to be called “Atai”) was an alumnus of Iolani High School class of 1961. He subsequently attended Redlands University of California and graduated in1965 with a degree in Political Science. As a young adult, Atai lived and traveled extensively through Europe and the Middle East. Atai retired from his position as a Federal Investigator after 30 years of service with the Department of Defense.

He had a passion for music from a young age and was renowned for his beautiful voice. Atai taught himself to play the ukulele and the guitar and in later years, he learned to play an upright bass. With Michael McCrary, his friend of more than 45 years, the two performed across Hawaii for 30 years, first as a duo named “Ka Moa’e," and later in a Kahauanu Lake Trio protege group called Kuliaikanu'u.

Their performance venues included the Mid-Pacific Country Club, Kahala Hilton Hotel, Hawaiian Regent Hotel, and Alana Waikiki Hotel. When Arthur and Verna relocated briefly to Las Vegas, he met Jerry Kabownizek who taught him to play rock and roll. Encouraged to leave a legacy of his voice and music achievements, in 2011, Arthur produced his CD titled “Our Legacy” with producer Johnny Navarro.

Atai, (aka Mr. A or Uncle Art), was warm, generous, kind, and loving to everyone who interacted with him. The welfare of others dominated his daily life. Although he developed Alzheimer's he never failed to check on his friends (sometimes multiple times times a day,) and call his daughter. He also reminded everyone he spoke to how much he loved Verna and how much she meant to him. He was one of a kind who will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.

Arrangements have been handled by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of cards and flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Arthur’s online guest book may be signed at www.smithfamilycares.com

Remember Atai with smiles, not tears, for all the joy he spread throughout his years. Arthur Atai Akina III is in heaven, resting in peace.