A public celebration of life for kumu hula Rae Fonseca is scheduled for April 16 in Hilo.

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.

The celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sangha Hall. A private scattering of ashes will follow.

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

Fonseca's death came a day after the passing in Hilo of 88-year-old Auntie Dottie Thompson, a founder of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival.

The week-long 47th Merrie Monarch festival opens Sunday in Hilo.