in 2008, kahapea was diagnosed with lou gehrig's disease, but acted as a spokesman and activist for those suffering from the disease in hawaii. he worked to spread awareness of the disease in the state. kahapea died of complications from lou gehrig's disease at kuakini medical center in honolulu on march 4, 2011, at the age of 65. he was a longtime resident of waianae, oahu. he was survived by three children - christopher, jeffrey and nadine. his memorial service was held at the nuuanu memorial park and mortuary on march 26, 2011.