Hawaii Loses Its 'Uhane
Hele Me Ke Akua, 'Uncle Aaron' and Nyle Hallman
Originally published in the Musicians’ Association of Hawai’i member newsletter, Ke Ola O Na Mele, Fall 2024 issue. This assignment was supposed to be just a short, bare-bones obituary, pieced together from online sources. But I felt something more, and so, I dug a little, let Aaron Mahi’s spirit waft through me briefly, and sat next to the little boy who wondered what his life could be before it became quite amazing. This is the result…
When certain gifted, generous people pass on, they leave behind profound legacy — felt for generations. Such is the case with two beloved Hawaiʻi musicians: Aaron David Mahi and Nyle Annette Dufresne Hallman.
“Uncle Aaron” passed away on July 6, three days shy of his 71st birthday. Mahi served many impressive roles, yet was the last to put himself first: Royal Hawaiian Band bandmaster (1981-2005), kahu — Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Makiki Community of Christ Church, Honolulu Symphony bassist, recording artist (Hui Aloha 'Aina Tuahine, Kaimana), composer (strings, “Captain Cook, A Bicentennial Tribute 1778-1978”), Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (2021), multi-genre (classical, Hawaiian, jazz, rock), multi-lingual (Hawaiian, English, German), multi-faceted multi-instrumentalist (ukulele, bass, piano, vocals), beloved storyteller, teacher, pastor, member of the Musicians’ Association of Hawaiʻi (MAH) since 1973…cherished local icon.
Up until he could no longer perform in front of a live audience — he once graced the stage at HMTA’s 2021 online Kanikapila Jam Session with a broken arm, not telling his caretakers, in case they kept him from going on with the show — Mahi honored and shared Hawaiian legacy down to the roots, introducing to the world at large — through the RHB — obscure compositions by classic Hawaiian composers (revitalized with the piano scores of lost orchestrations).
He also deepened the cultural ties between Hawai'i and Germany, earning him the Bundesverdeinstkreuz (Federal Merit Cross) from the Federal Republic of Germany in 2003.
The native Hawaiian wasn’t limited musically, either. He could play all styles. In 1976, he turned his bass into a jazz and rock instrument in the Windward Symphony Orchestra.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi released a statement the day after Mahi died that says, in part:
“His dedication and passion for preserving and sharing the rich musical traditions of our native Hawaiian heritage have touched countless lives. Aaron was more than a musician; he was a beloved figure whose influence extended far beyond the notes he played. His commitment to excellence and his love for our island's music have inspired generations, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know him or experience his artistry…”
Malia Haumschild experienced Uncle Aaron’s love, care, and gentle wisdom personally back in 2016. The recently appointed Commissioner to the City & County of Honolulu’s Grants in Aid Advisory Commission shared her admiration:
“Uncle Aaron, your accomplishments are countless, and your teachings are cherished. As a kumu hula, I recently shared with my students the memory of our sign-waving for Haunani Apoliona on the Pali Highway, where we experienced the Ki'owao rain firsthand. From you, I learned that this rain, stretching from the Pali tunnels to Mauna 'Ala, is a heavy, afternoon downpour. Thank you for sharing this and so much more with me. Your legacy lives on through the 'ike Hawaiʻi you imparted to all of us. Mahalo and aloha a hui hou.”
Honolulu Boy Choir co-founder Nyle Hallman passed away at the age of 95 on Feb. 14, 2024.
Besides helping mentor countless local rising stars (Bobby Moderow Jr., Jeff Rasmussen, Quinn Kelsey, Sean Na'auao) from 1974 to 1998 with husband Roy, the multi-instrumentalist (organ, piano, harp) also brought church to life as Organist Emeritus of Central Union Church.
She played the harp for Honolulu Symphony concerts, Don Ho’s shows at the Polynesian Palace, and serenaded diners at Michel’s, the Bistro, and the Hanohano Room. Hallman even made it on the original “Magnum P.I.” series in a small, speaking role, and was a fixture in the Diamond Head Theatre orchestra on a slew of musicals.
She, too, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts at the Nā Hōkū Awards — in 2020.
A longtime MAH member (1970-2024), Hallman continued playing music on wedding gigs and as a member of Flute a la Harpe.