Not too long ago, I stumbled upon a Hawaiian artist named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, known as Bruddah IZ to his family, friends, and fans. Over the past 15 years, IZ has been considered a heavenly voice of inspiration to many, a prominent voice in Hawaii's search for sovereignty, and a legend in Hawaiian culture. Known as "The Gentle Giant", IZ was loved by everyone. But like other talented artists, he died young at the age of 38 because of respiratory problems due to his obesity, once weighing over 750 lbs. He has made renditions, such as Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," still in the top 50 on Hawaiian billboard charts. He also made a beautiful rendition of Judy Garland's "Somewhere over the Rainbow." Search for it on YouTube; it is everywhere. It gives a spiritual and reenergized feeling to the old song. In 1997, over 10,000 fans paid tribute to him at his funeral. He is one of three people to have had his casket rest at the Capitol building, the other two being...