David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake, has died at age 46, according to his family. The Hawaii Police Department confirmed Bell died on June 12, with no foul play suspected.
Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, announced his death in a Facebook post on June 15. She described her brother as sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome, adding that he would spend that day in the company of their Heavenly Father. Jalene noted that “while I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for.”
In the recently released Disney film, Bell played the character known as “Big Hawaiian Dude” or the “Shave Ice Man,” who memorably drops his shaved ice dessert at the beach in one of the movie’s comedic scenes. The live-action “Lilo & Stitch” debuted in theaters in May 2025 and has earned more than $850 million at the global box office.
Bell had purchased tickets for his entire family to attend the opening night screening in Kapolei just two weeks before his death. His sister recalled their excitement about seeing fans dressed in “Lilo & Stitch” merchandise from head to toe, including t-shirts, onesies, hats and masks, while standing in line for popcorn at the theater.
Beyond his film debut, Bell had accumulated several television credits. He appeared as Isaac in a 2014 episode of “Hawaii Five-0” and played Manu Saluni in two episodes of the “Magnum P.I.” reboot in 2018 and 2019. According to his IMDb profile, he was set to appear in the upcoming action comedy “The Wrecking Crew” alongside Jason Momoa and Morena Baccarin.
Bell was a Hawaii native who attended Kalani High School and resided in Waimea before his death. He worked as an AOC supervisor and Assistant Airport Superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole. His voice remains the one passengers hear over the PA system upon arrival at the airport, where his sister said he loved creating an awesome and safe customer experience.
His sister described Bell as someone who loved being an actor and doing voiceovers. She indicated that the film industry and entertainment were exciting to him, and she appreciated that he enjoyed the arts. Bell attended Punahou and Kalani schools, and with their father speaking Hawaiian, his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgin made him what she called a diamond in the rough.
Bell also worked as an ambassador for Kona Brew, spending time traveling with someone named Brutus in that capacity. He was a member of SAG-AFTRA and had identified himself as the “Shave Ice Man” on his social media profiles, taking pride in his Disney role.
The actor’s representative, Lashauna Downie, told media outlets that she learned of his death through social media. She described the news as heartbreaking and sad, calling Bell one of her best talent who embodied the true meaning of aloha and was a gentle giant.
Just over a week before his death was announced, Bell had shared a video on Facebook of Citi Limitz performing on “America’s Got Talent,” captioning the post with the 100 emoji. In late May, he posted on Instagram about attending a cast and crew screening of “Lilo & Stitch,” expressing his excitement about seeing the local Hawaii crew members who he considered the true stars of the production.
Bell’s sister revealed that she first met her little brother at age 18 on her high school graduation day, describing it as the most amazing surprise she had been asking for years that their mothers made happen. She indicated that this gift lasted a lifetime and that Bell provided unconditional love to all his family and friends.
The Hawaii Police Department has launched a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is standard practice, and an autopsy is being scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing. Bell’s last time with his sister was after returning home from the movie screening, when they sat on her living room couch discussing life, having a seltzer and doing genealogy research.
Bell is survived by his sisters Jalene Kanani Bell, Kehau Bell and Lara Leimana, as well as his aunt Gerry. His sister urged others to hug their loved ones, stating she would keep their memories alive through all the big and small moments they shared.
