[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  CineSummary [@cinesummary](/creator/twitter/cinesummary) on x XX followers Created: 2025-07-22 00:04:16 UTC David Hekili Kenui Bell, Actor in Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch, Dies David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaiian actor known for his recent role in Disney’s 2025 Lilo & Stitch live-action film, has passed away. The news was shared via Facebook by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell. A cause of death has not been disclosed. “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,” she wrote. A native of Hawaii and a proud SAG-AFTRA member, Bell had previously appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., and was actively working in the industry. According to IMDb Pro, he had recently wrapped a role in The Wrecking Crew, an upcoming Amazon MGM action-comedy starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as estranged brothers investigating their father’s murder in Hawaii. In Lilo & Stitch, Bell portrayed a reimagined version of a fan-favorite background character — a local Hawaiian man who drops his shaved ice in shock upon witnessing an alien portal open. In the 2002 animated classic, this gag was played by a white tourist repeatedly losing his mint chocolate chip ice cream. Bell’s casting in the updated role was a quiet but meaningful shift, reflecting the filmmakers’ deeper embrace of local culture and community in the remake. Just two weeks ago, Bell proudly shared his audition for the role of “Big Hawaiian Dude” on social media, along with behind-the-scenes photos. In an earlier post, he wrote: “Mahalo to all who worked on this film! I knew it would be special... Our local crew in Hawaii deserve just as much or more recognition! Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.” Outside of film and TV, Bell served as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. His voice can be heard over the airport PA system welcoming visitors to the island — a role symbolic of his pride in sharing his Hawaiian heritage. His sister remembered him as a gifted artist with deep cultural roots: “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.” Bell also worked as a brand ambassador for Kona Brewing Company, often traveling with his dog Brutus, and remained deeply involved in Hawaii’s arts and hospitality communities. He is remembered not only for his contribution to the screen but for his dedication to his community, culture, and the people of Hawai’i.  XX engagements  **Related Topics** [meta](/topic/meta) [facebook](/topic/facebook) [liveaction](/topic/liveaction) [Post Link](https://x.com/cinesummary/status/1947447565877690417)
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CineSummary @cinesummary on x XX followers
Created: 2025-07-22 00:04:16 UTC
David Hekili Kenui Bell, Actor in Disney’s Live-Action Lilo & Stitch, Dies
David Hekili Kenui Bell, the Hawaiian actor known for his recent role in Disney’s 2025 Lilo & Stitch live-action film, has passed away. The news was shared via Facebook by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“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,” she wrote.
A native of Hawaii and a proud SAG-AFTRA member, Bell had previously appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I., and was actively working in the industry. According to IMDb Pro, he had recently wrapped a role in The Wrecking Crew, an upcoming Amazon MGM action-comedy starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa as estranged brothers investigating their father’s murder in Hawaii.
In Lilo & Stitch, Bell portrayed a reimagined version of a fan-favorite background character — a local Hawaiian man who drops his shaved ice in shock upon witnessing an alien portal open. In the 2002 animated classic, this gag was played by a white tourist repeatedly losing his mint chocolate chip ice cream. Bell’s casting in the updated role was a quiet but meaningful shift, reflecting the filmmakers’ deeper embrace of local culture and community in the remake.
Just two weeks ago, Bell proudly shared his audition for the role of “Big Hawaiian Dude” on social media, along with behind-the-scenes photos. In an earlier post, he wrote:
“Mahalo to all who worked on this film! I knew it would be special... Our local crew in Hawaii deserve just as much or more recognition! Was also happy to see so much of the cast, especially those of us that round out the world of live-action Lilo & Stitch that the filmmakers so masterfully constructed.”
Outside of film and TV, Bell served as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. His voice can be heard over the airport PA system welcoming visitors to the island — a role symbolic of his pride in sharing his Hawaiian heritage.
His sister remembered him as a gifted artist with deep cultural roots:
“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.”
Bell also worked as a brand ambassador for Kona Brewing Company, often traveling with his dog Brutus, and remained deeply involved in Hawaii’s arts and hospitality communities.
He is remembered not only for his contribution to the screen but for his dedication to his community, culture, and the people of Hawai’i.
XX engagements
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