David H.K. Bell, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ actor, dies weeks after his movie debut

Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who recently appeared in the “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake, has passed away. His death was confirmed by his sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, on social media. The cause of death has not been announced. “It is with a heavy heart I share that my sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant, and handsome little brother David H. K. Bell will spend today in the company of our Heavenly Father,” Jalene Kanani Bell wrote in a post on Facebook.

Bell, who has also appeared in shows like “Magnum P.I.” and “Hawaii Five-0,” had recently shared photos from the “Lilo & Stitch” set on Instagram. He had also posted a clip from his audition as well. In the movie, he played a character named Big Hawaiian Dude who comedically drops his shaved ice dessert at the sight of an alien portal. The Screen Actors Guild member also appeared as Isaac in “Hawaii Five-0” Season 5, Episode 4, where he played a character named Manu Saluni, and in “Magnum P.I.” Season 1.

In a tribute to her brother HK Bell, Jalene Kanani Bell said that David loved being an actor and doing voiceovers, and the film industry and entertainment were so exciting to him. “David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, and spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew. The film industry and entertainment was so exciting to him and I loved that he enjoyed the arts,” Bell added in her tribute.




“He went to Punahou and Kalani while our dad spoke Hawaiian so his ability to deliver lines with English understanding, Indigenous knowledge and Pidgen to da Max…made him a diamond in the rough You can hear him over the PA system on arrival at Kona Airport where he loved working to create an awesome and safe customer experience,” she said. Hailing from Kaimuki, Bell studied at Kalani High School, according to his Facebook page. He was living in Waimea prior to his death and had worked as an assistant airport superintendent at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole.

In May 2025, the actor wrote about “Lilo & Stitch” on his Instagram. “Now, Mahalo to everyone who worked on this film! I knew it would be special to attend a Cast and CREW screening and it didn’t disappoint! It was so awesome to see so many of the true stars in my opinion, our local crew in Hawaii” he had said.