“He was and will remain a bright and shining star”: Lilo & Stitch voice actor David Hekili Kenui Bell passes away

A hush fell over the theater when David Hekili Kenui Bell's familiar face appeared in a fleeting yet memorable moment on screen. Bell, who passed away on June 15, 2025, at the age of 46, had spent the days leading up to his passing celebrating a family screening of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.

In that brief scene—cradling a shave‑ice treat as an alien portal opened—he radiated a warmth that mirrored his real-life spirit. As his sister put it,

“He was and will remain a bright and shining star,”

A reminder of the light David Hekili Kenui Bell shared with everyone he met.

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David Hekili Kenui Bell grew up in a close-knit Hawaiian family

David Hekili Kenui Bell was born and raised in Waimea on Hawaii’s Big Island. His sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, recalled meeting him at her high school graduation when he was 18 and never letting go of that bond.

She described him as “a joy of a human, and Prince of a man,” showing how much he meant to her. Family outings and quiet talks at home were core to their relationship.

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He worked at the Kona airport, where his voice greeted travelers

Outside acting, David Hekili Kenui Bell served as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. He recorded voiceovers that welcomed visitors to Hawaii, a job he took pride in every day.

Hearing his friendly greeting helped set the tone for many travelers’ first impressions. Even in a brief announcement, his warmth came through.

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He appeared in a local TV series filmed in Hawaii

David Hekili Kenui Bell had small roles on two popular series shot in his home state. In Hawaii Five-0, he played Isaac in a single episode, and in Magnum P.I., he appeared as Manu Salani in three episodes.

These parts gave him experience working with professional crews and cast. Local viewers appreciated seeing a familiar face on screen.

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He celebrated a new role in the live-action remake weeks before

In May 2025, David Hekili Kenui Bell made his big-screen debut in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch. He played the “Big Hawaiian Dude,” a character who reacts in surprise to a portal opening, dropping his shave-ice treat.

The film premiered on May 15 at the El Capitan Theatre and opened nationwide on May 23. David Hekili Kenui Bell shared on Instagram how thankful he was for the chance to work alongside the cast and crew in Hawaii.

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David Bell treasured the last family movie night before he passed

Jalene said her brother booked the best seats for their family at the Kapolei screening. Afterwards, they went back to her place to share seltzer, talk story, and explore their family tree.

Those moments now feel like a final gift he gave them. She urged everyone to value small times together.

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His agent described his loss as heartbreaking and sad

Lashauna Downie, David Bell's agent, learned of his death through social media posts. She called the news “heartbreaking & sad” and highlighted his embodiment of the aloha spirit.

Downie referred to Bell as “a gentle giant” who treated colleagues with kindness. Her words paint a picture of someone respected and loved at work.

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He leaves behind a quiet but meaningful legacy

Though his screen time was brief, David Hekili Kenui Bell's roles brought joy and representation to his community. His airport announcements, television appearances, and that one special scene in Lilo & Stitch connected with people in different ways. His sister closes by reminding everyone:

“Hug your loved ones today.”

In simple words, she captures what matters most.