By Chris Hunt

Several years ago, after seeing the movie Finding Forester, I was so touched, I rushed out to the local music store to pick up the soundtrack. This had nothing to do with the movie itself, a decent film about an inner-city hoops player trying to be a writer. The real cause of the emotional stirring came from the end credits and the song that accompanied them. By now, just about everyone has heard the song, the soft and beautiful medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" played by Hawaiian Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, who is lovingly known as Bruddah IZ (Hawaiian slang for Brother IZ).

Unable to find the Forester soundtrack, I ended up selecting one of IZ's solo CDs called Facing Future. The cover of the album had a picture of the man himself standing shirtless on the Island's countryside wearing a male Hawaiian skirt. Now if you've never seen a picture of IZ, the man's shape was akin to the volcanic mountains of his homeland's landscape. At his heaviest, he was almost 700 pounds. With this album cover along with several songs in the native Hawaiian language, I was somewhat skeptical while standing in the checkout line. But I really wanted the song. The album could have been $30, and I probably still would've bought it.

Of course, the CD ended up being quite solid, providing a refreshing contrast in my CD collection. The Hawaiian songs were great with understated ukulele and IZ's calming voice. There was a version of John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" with altered lyrics to reflect the Island life, "Almost Heaven, West Makaha," plus, the reason for buying the album, the flawless rendition of "Over the Rainbow." I listened to the album almost too much before it slowly made it's way to the lower shelf of my CD rack, right next to Hootie and The Full Monty soundtrack. For whatever reason, it became a forgotten CD among the many I owned.

That was until this past month, after I had the good fortune (extremely good fortune) to visit Hawaii discovering for myself that it was, indeed, "almost heaven." I'll mention the obvious perks briefly - great weather, pristine beaches with soft sand and crystal blue water, fresh and exotic foods, mountainous landscape and an endless well of things to do. But beyond the tourist hot spots, the crowded restaurants and the souvenir shops, was a Hawaiian lifestyle that I yearned to be a part of.

It took me mere seconds to realize this was a place I could spend a lot of time. Shortly after leaving the airport, the sun began to sink into the Pacific kick-starting a natural light show of fire and water. My drink was cold. My feet were adorned with sandals. Me and my fellow audience members relaxed with mai tais, surf boards resting nearby, as a Hawaiian guitar player sang songs by Jimmy Buffett and native sons Jack Johnson, and of course, Bruddah IZ. In other locations, the view would change in shape but not in beauty. The drinks were always cold; the weather was always warm, and the music always ideal.

At times, though, I couldn't help but think it was a mirage. A picture-perfect place set up just so suckers like me will buy more beers and strawberry daiquiris. I still didn't feel immersed in the culture. After talking with locals and exploring the area, I learned that the Hawaiians are quite protective of their culture, and rightly so. They have been trying to protect it from being Americanized for over 100 years. I couldn't help but feel like the little brother who desperately wanted to be playing football with his brother and his friends. I somehow felt left out of this locale's true spirit, a culture based on its heritage and its surroundings. It's about being close to the environment and being respectful of one's roots. It's about the music and the beaches. It's about pride for Hawaii. The island life is laid-back and cheerful. I wanted to be a part of it, but I wasn't sure I was welcome.

Which brings me back to Bruddah IZ. While looking at the back of one of his CDs in a store, a woman began to talk to me about his story. She explained how IZ would write about the land and unity. About treating other people with love and respect. I learned his work helped bring all of the islands of Hawaii together and how he never wrote a song without meaning. He finished live sets with tears in his eyes, not just singing his lyrics, but living them. By the time he passed away in 1997 at the age of 38, he was a legend. His funeral was held in the state capital in Honolulu, as 10,000 mourners passed by his casket.

IZ embodied the Hawaiian culture, preaching love for the land and love for one another through his own brand of music inspired by all of those who sang the native songs before him. I envy that culture. I plan to return to Hawaii and hope to be as much a part of its spirit as anyone could be. I know I am not Hawaiian myself, but something tells me that IZ wouldn't mind. And because of that, I will feel included.

Looking back, I remember going online to find out who he was after hearing his song that first time. I remember seeing a message board with fans writing small tributes to the man. One person wrote, "I came here to write an email to the man who sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and was extremely sad to see he has passed away. At first I thought he was someone here's brother. Now I see he is everyone's brother." Needless to say, his CD has returned to the top shelf of my CD rack. I'll be needing it until I return to his state. For now, I'll be satisfied with a state of mind.