Singer and actress Whitney Houston made an impact with many local celebrities and fans in the islands.
Many first came in touch with her by her performance at Aloha Stadium, where she sang to a sold out audience in 1997.
Oahu-raised Ramon Del Barrio met her on stage, in 1988, as a dancer. He said "it was amazing to stand next to her every night as she sang and see what kind of energy she embodies, and how she captured everybody."
The Society of Seven, which has performed Whitney Houston songs for decades, was shocked by today’s news. "I was shocked – what a tragedy, she’s such a talent. What a great talent she was… even though she was a female performer and we, a lot of us in my group are male, we did a lot of her songs because they are powerful ballads."
Houston also went through personal turmoil in Hawaii – In January of 2000, the singer was caught with half an ounce of marijuana at Kona International Airport. Charges were later dropped.
"I’m just praying that people remember her for her legacy and her voice and her contributions, and not the harder times," Del Barrio said.
Houston leaves behind her daughter Bobbi Kristina.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
