'Lilo & Stitch' actor David Hekili Kenui Bell dies aged 57

David Hekili Kenui Bell has passed away at the age of 57.

The Hawaiian actor, affectionately known as "Big Hawaiian Dude" or the "shave ice guy" in Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch, died on June 12, 2025.

The cause of death has not been disclosed though authorities are not treating his passing as suspicious.

His sister Jalene Kanani Bell announced the passing on Sunday, recalling how he took his family to the Lilo & Stitch's opening night in Kapolei just two weeks before his death.

"It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father," read her statement on Facebook.

"He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago," Jalene said of his Disney debut celebration.

"We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe, t-shirts, onezees, hats, mask, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn," she recalled.

Disney's live-action take on its 2002 film Lilo & Stitch was a big hit at the box office, spearheading for three weeks. It then came in at No. 2 over the weekend, having earned an incredible $858.3 million globally.

Bell noted that her brother "loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts.

He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough."

The sister also noted that his voice is the one used at Kona International Airport, where he "loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience." She added, "He was and will remain a bright and shining star."