Hawaii Five-O star dies aged 66

Crime drama Hawaii Five-O was a huge TV hit in the 1970s

Gilbert Lani Kauhi, a member of the original cast of cult US TV series Hawaii Five-0, has died aged 66.

Kauhi played Hawaiian detective Kono Kalakaua - burly sidekick to police chief Steve McGarrett - in the 1970s CBS crime drama.

Kauhi, a former beachboy nicknamed Zulu, was fired after four seasons over an altercation with a publicist.

After starring in the show he went on to launch a successful entertainment career in his native Waikiki.

Kauhi's mother Emma said he had died in hospital of complications from diabetes.

Happy memories

Of his time in the series, she said: "I know those were his enjoyable days. He was always full of excitement and he had many friends."

Actor James MacArthur, who played Danny "Danno" Williams on the show, said he had "many happy memories of Zulu".

Hawaii Five-0, which ran from 1968 to 1980, was formerly the longest continuous-running police series in US TV history.

It became famous for its upbeat theme tune - once voted the catchiest of all time - and lead actor Jack Lord's catchphrase: "Book him Danno".