"Can't You See," Kekaualua's composition from the battlefront, is a soldier's passionate lament. The ballad questions and challenges the war and explores the sadness and isolation of fighting in a country drowning in terrorism. His vantage point — as a soldier deployed to Kuwait and Iraq — reflects the loneliness of leaving family and loved ones back home for a mission to help strangers acquire "a freedom they don't know," as his lyrics state. This CD single serves as a window into the soul of a soldier who calls for brothers and sisters "to stand together."

His description — anguish, really, triggered by a lack of answers — is best chronicled in this refrain: "As for us we're trying to find a reason; but for now we've got to do our time." Surely, it's a response that might be applicable to any war, past, present and future.

To date, the song has aired on Big Island radio; Kekaualua has been a longtime employee for Pint Size (Haagen-Dazs ice cream) in Hilo and has sold more than 1,500 copies of the CD single (with two versions) largely from the trunk of his car, though Big Island Carpets has also been selling it and Borders in Hilo and Kona have stocked it.

He's now with the county's roads maintenance division in the Puna district and is pegged to perform his song at the June 30-July 2 BayFest at the Kane'ohe Marine base.

The CD, a benefit to help raise building funds, is blessed with singers who worship at the church. From the popular "Ave Maria" to the plaintive ballad "I See You Lord," the singers provide an uplifting mood and spirit with a repertoire that's inspirational both in and out of church. This is no doubt an ambitious project for any congregation; selections such as "I Will Be With You" reflect devotion and dedication among the three vocalists in the ranks. The CD is available at Sts. Peter and Paul Church after weekend masses, and also at Pauline Books & Media on Bishop Street and Wayland Baptist University in 'Aiea.