Friends and family of kumu hula Rae Fonseca paid tribute to one of the most honored teachers of the hula community at a public celebration of life Friday in Hilo.

The celebration of life was from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sangha Hall. A private scattering of ashes followed.

Fonseca, who founded Hula Halau O Kahikilaulani, died March 20 after collapsing following a performance at the Lei O Lanikuhonua Hula Festival in Ko Olina. He was 56.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fonseca's memory can be made to Hula Halau O Kahikilaulani, 121 Banyan Drive, Hilo, HI 96720.

Fonseca died a day after the passing in Hilo of 88-year-old "Auntie Dottie" Thompson, a founder of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.