Larry Loyes Kukahiko Aweau, who "discovered" Chad Rowan as a history-making sumo prospect and helped shepherd a generation of island hopefuls into the sport, died yesterday, according to the family.

Aweau was 89.

Aweau, a third-degree black belt judo instructor, became interested in sumo when a cousin, Jesse Kuhaulua of Maui, was recruited for sumo in 1964.

Thereafter sumo became a nearly half-century passion for the retired fireman and a driver with Grayline Tours who took on the roles of ambassador and talent scout. "Sumo was the love of his life," said his son, Ali'i.

"Uncle Larry," as Kuhaulua referred to him in a sign of respect, "was known by everybody. He did a lot for the local guys. He always supported me and wanted to help us in any way he could."

Aweau scouted sumo prospects for Kuhaulua and, through his ties, helped place and prepare more than a half dozen for the pro ranks. Rowan, a former Kaiser High athlete, who went on to become Akebono, the centuries-old sport's first foreign yokozuna in 1993, was his most famous — and remarkable — "find."

Aweau initially approached Rowan's younger brother George after being reacquainted with them at a family funeral. But George was still in high school. Aweau was particularly intrigued by Akebono, a basketball player at Kaiser High with no sumo background.

Akebono, at first, turned Aweau down but, after a semester of college and repeated urgings, reconsidered.

Kuhaulua, too, was initially skeptical because of Chad's 6-foot-8 height but, in the face of Aweau's persistence, agreed to take a look. From his years of judo, Aweau said he liked Chad's balance for a big man.

Services are scheduled for July 18 at Hawaiian Memorial Park with burial at Valley of the Temples. Times are to be determined.