Slack-key guitar legend told not to play at Honolulu airport

Ledward Kaapana says he likes to play at airports to help relax travelers and ease their nerves.

[jamesmcgraw]

Good grief… what an anal law that stops a musical legend from performing at a crowded airport … people all over the planet know this man and his music. Bet it was heaven for the stressed out travelers to hear his magic. Unbelievable!

[dorthymcbride]

Omg! LEDWARD entertained locals who may not be able to attend his performances!! Mahalo for sharing your Aloha spirit!❤ it was always free😊

[jamesmoeller]

Rule should only apply when the location is not by choice. That is, when passengers are in a line-que and thereby forced to listening. If you can walk away, less offensive than odor, or snoring. No mention of acapella in the restrictive law? 😢

[peterreichert]

I had the privilege of hearing Led Kaapana at the Lihue airport several years ago. My only complaint was that a flight change was announced over the PA, and Led and his friends had to get up and go to another gate! It was a magical experience. Led is a Hawaiian treasure!

[sandramorey]

Most of us "LedHeads" pay a fortune to listen to him play. Before 911 there were seniors who would play and we would dance, but after 911 that was eliminated. Very sad, as it was an easing of
our going home blues.

[MrAoki]

This is RIDICULOUS!  Long time ago Hawaiian musicians used to play in airports all the time, especially for the TOURISTS!  GET A LIFE Security and airport officials!

[boulejazz]

Dumb laws should not be enforced. Security should just ignore it. Let the music play.

[sharoncecil]

Ledward is excellent! I think the fact that he was playing for free is just amazing and excellent!

[christopherhalliday]

What ever happened to discretion? Where's the pono vibe? Was Uncle Led bothering people or was he making their stressful experience at the airport more joyful and chill and treating them to soemthing they'll never forget? We all know the answer! Uncle Led is a living Hawai'i Ki Ho'alu Legend and a kind-hearted man who happens to be one of the most gifted and generous musicians in the galaxy. It would've been appropriate for the guard to stop and listen, then keep looking for actual trouble. I'm a pilot who flies through HNL regularly and would be delighted and grateful if Uncle Led started a kanikapila at MY gate ANY TIME! Uncle Ledward Kaapana is maika'i and pono!

[angelhocog]

It is crazy to be deprived with our culture more so our talent.

[councilmandoug]

They should be paying this man to be there.

[Kaaukuu]

No can believe. Telling Ledward Kaapana to not play guitar is like telling God to not make the sun rise. His music is a blessing.

Long time ago, I went to see him play in Waikiki. I remember thinking, "I cannot believe I'm listening just a few feet away from one of the greatest musicians in the world." He's one of the nicest people I have ever met. So much aloha! Zero arrogance. You can bet that he would never do to someone else what that security guard did to him. When you enforce the law, you have to exercise discretion or you can end up doing an injustice.

Anyway, this incident was a long time ago, and I hope that everything has been straightened out with no hard feelings towards anyone. Aloha, everybody.

[oceanlover]

Uncle Ledward is a living legend!! Somebody from the top Jealous of the man's talents, so they call the gadut to go spoil everybodys day!!

[KimcheeRacing]

Dude I love music but imagine if Yoko Ono started screaming a "song" in the middle of the airport. On the same note, she could be doing it on street corner busking too.. It shouldn't be against the law.

[kane]

I used to break out my kamaka baritone uke every time I waited for my flight when I flew back home to Honolulu from mainland airports and on my return trips. I can't play like Ledward, but I can hold an audience for about 2 minutes. Never had a problem. Even got a quarter tip 20 years ago.

[jeremiahsubchannel]

I'm not doing Stone wall anymore, i haft to take my guitar and hang around Him to learn anywhere he's going, the Legend,

[guitarguyinhawaii]

Change the dumb law that should have never been made

[jimmoos]

When I first arrived in Hawaii on an Air Force civilian flight, I heard this "corny" Hawaiian music as soon as I exited the plane late at night. It was part of the Aloha experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Much later, I learned Taro Patch (somewhat). Knowing that they probably still play "Hawaiian" music in the airport, it seems ridiculous that Led was stopped from playing
Jim Moos, Niantic CT

[march]

Good Grief! That is like telling Natalie Ai Kamauu not to sing. Give me a break. He has been around for years. Hawai'ian music at HIA? Sure makes good sense to me.

[mjfoste]

If you have the mad skills that Ledward has you should be able to play anywhere. If you are just some scrub, then they should not allow you to play.