Eric Maybach Commissioner of the Revenue

In 1988, during the late hours of the night, a Hawaiian musician named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole reached out to a local studio, urgently requesting a recording session. Eagerly, he implored the engineer, expressing his desire to bring his idea to life. In a remarkable display of talent and spontaneity, Kamakawiwo'ole recorded a rendition of the beloved song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" in a single take. This rendition would soon resonate deeply with listeners worldwide, touching the hearts of countless individuals. The recording itself featured Kamakawiwo'ole's voice accompanied solely by his ukulele, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience for anyone who encountered it. Despite the artist's untimely passing in 1997 at the age of 38, his music and his remarkable but brief life have continued to profoundly impact people from all corners of the globe.