NCIS: Hawai’i paid tribute to William ‘Kono’ Dahlin on Monday’s (February 12) Season 3 premiere in a closing credits title card, and many viewers are wondering who he is. The popular CBS police procedural, which had been delayed five months due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, closed out its third season premiere with a title card that read, “In loving memory of William ‘Kono’ Dahlin,” alongside a picture of the man himself.
So, who was Dahlin? Well, he was credited as an actor and additional crew member on NCIS: Hawai’i. He’d been working on the show for the past two years, primarily as a background extra.
Born on March 25, 1974, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dahlin’s previous credits included Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he starred in a 2006 sketch about former President Bill Clinton, and the 2019 short film Mailboxes. He also worked as a production intern on the movies 127 Hours (2010) and Man of Tai Chi (2013). According to KITV 4 Island News, Dahlin was shot and killed on July 19, 2023, in a fight at the 2012 Bar and Cafe on Bertania Street in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 49 years old.
Dahlin was unresponsive on the floor when police arrived at the scene. After attempts were made to resuscitate him, he was transported to a nearby hospital by the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. He was pronounced dead at 1.15 am, according to Star Advertiser.
Myron Takushi of Oahu was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, terroristic threatening, and firearm charges in relation to Dahlin’s death. He now awaits trial. NCIS: Hawai’i star Noah Mills, who plays Special Agent Jesse Boone, previously shared a heartfelt message on a news video about Dahlin’s passing. “Worked with Kono for almost two years day in and day out, always put a smile on my face as he for many others and will be dearly missed,” Mills wrote on Instagram. “Prayers and thoughts to his family and loved ones. Shocked. Rip Kono.”
Noah Evslin, NCIS: Hawai’i writer and producer, also commented on a post about Dahlin’s death, writing, “I worked with him on NCIS:HI Super nice dude. This is all so shocking and tragic.” According to his obituary, Dahlin is survived by his sons, Tyler Dahlin and Jacob Dahlin; daughter Karli Dahlin; father William Dahlin Sr.; brother Kyle Dahlin; and sister Coline Kekauoha.
The world of television often feels like an escape—a place where stories unfold on screen, while the real world stays far away. But sometimes, tragedy strikes behind the scenes, leaving an indelible mark on both the cast and the fans. That’s exactly what happened with NCIS: Hawai’i, when the production team faced a heartbreaking loss after a crew member was killed in a real-life murder case. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the emotional tribute, the real-life tragedy, and how the NCIS: Hawai’i family came together to honor one of their own.
The Tragic Reality Behind the Tribute
Unlike scripted drama, this tragedy wasn’t part of the show. A crew member—beloved by colleagues and essential to the production—lost their life in a violent crime. The news sent shockwaves not only through the NCIS: Hawai’i set but also across the television industry.
The cast, crew, and fans were united in grief, and the series made sure to immortalize the crew member’s contribution with a touching on-screen dedication.
How NCIS: Hawai’i Honored Their Fallen Crew Member
The tribute wasn’t flashy or overdone—it was heartfelt and simple. At the end of a powerful episode, viewers saw a message appear on screen, honoring the memory of the crew member. This moment reminded fans that while TV may be fiction, the people who bring it to life are very real.
Such tributes are not unusual in television, but they carry immense weight. They serve as a bridge between the world of storytelling and the starkness of reality.
The Impact on the Cast and Crew
Filming a show is like creating a second family. The long hours, shared challenges, and triumphs bond everyone together. Losing a colleague in such a tragic and unexpected way shook the NCIS: Hawai’i team deeply.
Actors have spoken about the immense respect they had for their colleague and how devastating the loss was. Many described the tribute not only as a professional necessity but as a personal obligation.
Why Tributes Like These Matter
You might wonder—why does a few seconds of on-screen text matter? In truth, it’s a huge gesture. Tributes acknowledge the humanity behind the production. They remind audiences that every camera angle, every lighting choice, every scene depends on the unseen work of countless individuals.
By dedicating time to honor a lost crew member, NCIS: Hawai’i turned the spotlight toward someone whose impact was vital, even if fans never knew their name.
Television as a Platform for Healing
TV shows often help audiences cope with grief, but in this case, they also helped the creators heal. By weaving the tribute into the broadcast, the NCIS: Hawai’i team created a collective moment of remembrance.
For fans, it was a reminder that the people who make the show are a tight-knit community—one that shares joys and sorrows just like any family would.
The Reality of Crime Behind the Camera
Ironically, NCIS: Hawai’i is a series centered around solving crimes and uncovering the truth. Yet here, the crime was painfully real. The contrast between fiction and reality only deepened the weight of the tribute.
The murder of the crew member highlighted the devastating reality of violence and how it ripples through communities. The case drew attention not only because of its brutality but also because of the beloved person it claimed.
Fans’ Reactions to the Tribute
When the tribute aired, fans immediately took to social media. Hashtags related to the show were filled with messages of sympathy and solidarity. Some viewers admitted they were brought to tears seeing the dedication, even without knowing the crew member personally.
It’s proof that grief can be shared on a global scale, with strangers uniting over a common sense of loss.
The Broader Legacy of Crew Members in Television
While actors are the face of any show, crew members are its backbone. From set designers to camera operators, every detail relies on their expertise. Without them, no episode would ever reach the screen.
The tribute was more than a farewell to one person—it was a reminder of the invaluable contributions of all behind-the-scenes professionals.
Comparisons to Other TV Tributes
NCIS: Hawai’i’s tribute joins a long line of similar moments in television history. From Glee’s farewell to Cory Monteith to The Office’s nods to beloved staff, tributes have always been a way to honor those who left too soon.
What makes each one unique is the personal connection between the cast and the person they’re remembering. For NCIS: Hawai’i, this tribute was a reflection of family-like bonds.
How the Entertainment Industry Handles Loss
When tragedy strikes a production, the industry has to balance grief with professionalism. Filming schedules may continue, but moments of remembrance are built in. In some cases, cast members take breaks; in others, tributes are woven directly into the show.
NCIS: Hawai’i chose the latter, ensuring that millions of viewers were part of the moment.
Behind the Scenes: The Human Side of Hollywood
Hollywood often feels glamorous, but behind the cameras, it’s built on hard work and real people. The murder of this crew member shattered illusions and brought the human side of production to light.
This wasn’t just about losing a coworker—it was about losing a friend, a family member, and a crucial part of the team.
A Reminder of Life Beyond the Screen
Tributes like this remind us that life is unpredictable. One moment, someone is helping create magic on set; the next, their absence leaves a void. For fans, it’s easy to forget that every story on screen comes from the dedication of real people with real lives.
The Lasting Memory of the Tribute
Even though the tribute was just a few seconds, it will remain etched in the memory of NCIS: Hawai’i fans. Long after the episode airs, those words of remembrance live on—preserving the legacy of a life cut short.
Why NCIS: Hawai’i’s Tribute Stands Out
What makes this tribute stand out is its authenticity. It wasn’t about ratings, publicity, or dramatics. It was about family—about saying goodbye in the most respectful way possible. That sincerity touched fans in ways that scripted storylines often cannot.
Conclusion
The NCIS: Hawai’i tribute was more than a television moment—it was an act of love. By honoring their lost crew member, the cast and crew reminded viewers that behind every fictional crime scene is a team of real people whose lives matter.
This heartbreaking real-life tragedy left scars, but it also highlighted the unshakable bonds within the NCIS: Hawai’i family. In the end, the tribute wasn’t just for the crew member—it was for everyone who believes in remembering those who helped build the stories we cherish.
