A celebrated figure in Hawaiian hula has died, a loss for the local cultural community.

• Maile Emily Francisco died at age 45 at Kaiser Moanalua, according to her family.
• She trained in hula from childhood and later danced under Kumu Hula Sonny Ching at Hālau Nā Mamo O Puʻuanahulu.
• She won the prestigious Miss Aloha Hula title in 2005, one of the highest honors in hula competition.
• Her family remembers her as a beloved mother, sister, and dancer.

Outlook: Services and tributes from the hula community are expected to follow in the coming days.