Edward Piilani Rabelas

Edward Piilani Rabelas lovingly known as “Kookie” in Hawaiʻi and “Ed” in Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home in Enterprise, Alabama, on April 10, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on May 4, 1953, he grew up on Kauaʻi, where he developed the strong work ethic and genuine “Mr. Aloha” spirit that guided him throughout his life.

To bring together all who loved him, two celebrations of life will be held. The first will take place in his hometown on Kauaʻi on October 31, 2026, at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the second will be held in Alabama in spring 2027, where his heart found peace and his memories grew deep. Details for the Alabama gathering will be shared once finalized.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Castor Rabelas (Father), Bertha Kauhi (Mother); Hanai parents, Jerry and Carol Santos; and Hanai sister, Lynn Jackson.

He began his career at Kekaha Sugar Mill, eventually becoming the boiler operations supervisor and earning a reputation for his dependability and larger‑than‑life presence. In 2001, he moved to Enterprise, Alabama, where he spent 25 years building a life he loved and continuing his work supporting base operations at Fort Rucker through Shaw/APTIM and later Pride.

He was loved for his easygoing spirit, humor, and the aloha he carried with him, forming lasting friendships in both Hawaiʻi and Alabama.

Survivors include his children, Elizabeth Kalehua Rabelas (Joe Kelling) of Oahu, Hawaiʻi, Jaime Rabelas (Bryce Nakamura) of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, and Telissa Agbulos (Kekoa Woo) of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi; one sister, Lana “Pua” (Glenn) Ayau of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi; five brothers, Richard Waalani Sr. of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, James (Diana) Anakalea of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, James Kauhi of Oahu, Hawaiʻi, Frank Kauhi of Oahu, Hawaiʻi, and Alexander (Rayne) Kauhi of Oahu, Hawaiʻi; four Hanai brothers, Frank (Gene) Santos from Las Vegas, Nevada, Kerry (Michelle) Santos of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, Neal (Nadinna) Spears of Enterprise, Alabama, and Gary “Speedie” (Kelly) Smith of Enterprise, Alabama; four grandchildren; as well as numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.