When Willie K. got involved with the musical production for a breast cancer fundraiser, artists got interested.

"Willie is the most talented rascal in the state; I just hate him," said Island songbird Nina Keali'iwahamana with a jesting giggle. The soprano recorded "The Very Thought of You" for the benefit CD, dubbed "Pink CD."

For Willie, who duets with Lehua Kalima Heine on "Try a Little Tenderness," the project was a joy.

A dozen performers selected what they wanted to sing; Willie and his fellow track producers mostly offered guidance and support.

"More or less, we used the homegrown influence; rather than go highly produced, we did it mostly simply," said Willie of the modus operandi. "But with the caliber of somebody like Auntie Nina, we upped the musicianship a bit."

He added an extra touch, though: "I just put in the Willie K spice," he said.

"Willie and Karey Oura, who co-produced the album, are such neat, neat people," Keali'iwahamana said.

Oura wasn't just Willie's partner in mounting the "Pink CD"; she also works annually on a golf tournament that also benefits the fight against breast cancer, making her a good fit for the musical endeavor.

"I lost a cousin to cancer, and that's why Willie and I started the golf tournament," said Oura. "It was a way to raise consciousness among women with breast cancer and get the word out that if caught early, it can be cured."

Keali'iwahamana said her interest in the "Pink CD" was galvanized after participating the the golf tournament.

Oura helped procure a roster of other talent, too, including Ikaika Brown, Kaena Brown, Dani Girl, Paula Fuga, Melveen Leed, Namahana, Na Waiho'olu'u O Ke Anuenue, Love Pacheco, Alaka'i Paleka, Lahela Rapozo, The Girlas and Pomai Williams.

Oura said Willie carved a memorable vision as he arrived at the recording studio: "He rode in like Kikaida, on his motorcycle, with a guitar on his back. Then he'd get inside the studio to work."

Willie, meanwhile, is on a roll.

He has a pair of fundraisers — at 6:30 p.m. July 25 and 26 — to help Roosevelt High School relaunch its renovated auditorium.

And he has an eclectic list of projects ahead: