Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who appeared in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake, has died at age 46. His sister Jalene Kanani Bell announced his passing in a Facebook post on June 15, 2025.
Bell played the character known as “Big Hawaiian Dude” or “Shave Ice Man” in the recent Disney film, appearing in memorable scenes where he comedically drops his shaved ice dessert at the beach. The movie was released in theaters in May 2025 and has earned more than $850 million at the global box office.
According to his sister’s social media announcement, Bell had purchased tickets for his entire family to attend the opening night screening in Kapolei just two weeks before his death. She described how they celebrated his big screen debut together and were energized by fans dressed in “Lilo & Stitch” merchandise while waiting in line for popcorn.
The Hawaii Police Department confirmed to People magazine on June 16 that Bell died on June 12. Police have launched a coroner’s inquest investigation and scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected in the case.
Bell was a native of Kaimuki who resided in Waimea, Hawaii, before his death. He attended Kalani High School and worked as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Keahole. His voice can still be heard over the PA system welcoming travelers upon arrival at the airport.
Beyond his role in “Lilo & Stitch,” Bell had appeared in television shows including two episodes of “Magnum P.I.” as the character Manu Saluni in 2018 and 2019, and one episode of “Hawaii Five-0” as Isaac in 2014. He was also set to appear in the upcoming action comedy “The Wrecking Crew” alongside Jason Momoa and Morena Baccarin, which is currently in post-production.
His sister described Bell as someone who loved acting and doing voiceover work. She noted that he had worked as an ambassador for Kona Brew and found the film industry exciting. She characterized him as a diamond in the rough due to his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge, and Hawaiian Pidgin.
Bell had expressed enthusiasm about his Disney debut on social media, posting to Instagram at the end of May to share his excitement about attending a cast and crew screening. He thanked everyone who worked on the film and praised the local Hawaiian crew members.
His representative Lashauna Downie told TMZ that she learned of his death through social media. She described Bell as one of her best talents who embodied the true meaning of aloha and called him a gentle giant.
In her Facebook tribute, Jalene Kanani Bell reflected on her relationship with her brother, explaining that she met him when she was 18 years old on her high school graduation day. She described how Bell provided unconditional love that she had not received from a father figure, and indicated that all his family and friends received the same treatment from him.
She recalled their final time together after returning from the movie screening, when they sat on her living room couch discussing life while having a seltzer and doing genealogy research. She emphasized the importance of hugging loved ones and promised to keep their memories alive.
Bell took pride in his role as the Shave Ice Man, adding the character designation to his Instagram profile. Though his part in “Lilo & Stitch” may have seemed small, it proved memorable to audiences and represented a career highlight for the Hawaiian actor.
The live-action “Lilo & Stitch” remake has been a significant success for Disney, taking first place at the box office for three consecutive weeks after its release. Bell’s contribution to the film’s success came through his portrayal of the character who appears shocked into dropping his shaved ice whenever alien activity occurs on screen.
Bell is survived by his sisters Jalene Kanani Bell, Kehau Bell, and Lara Leimana, as well as his aunt Gerry. His family has requested privacy during this time while they process their loss and celebrate his life and contributions to Hawaiian entertainment.
