Al Harrington died on Tuesday September 21, after suffering a stroke. His death was confirmed by family members, who said he had been hospitalized recently after suffering a stroke.
Best known to classic TV fans as Detective Ben Kokua in the original “Hawaii Five-0” series, Harrington also appeared in the CBS reboot of “Hawaii Five-0,” playing the recurring role of surf shop owner and bus driver Mamo Kahike from 2011 to 2018.
Harrington joined the cast of “Hawaii Five-0” in 1972, replacing original cast member Gilbert “Zulu” Kauhi (Kono) as the Polynesian member of the “Five-0” team. Harrington’s three years on the show earned him an international cult following.
He made a number of cameos and guest appearances over his time, with appearances in Tom Hanks favourite, Forrest Gump, as well as on TV in Charlie’s Angels, The Jeffersons, Magnum P.I. and Scrubs.
Harrington is survived by his wife, Rosa, sons Alema and Tau, and daughters Summer and Cassi.