In an episode they’re calling “The Big Wipeout”, reality TV bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman tracks down Hawaiian surf legend Montgomery “Buttons” Kaluhiokalani. “It’s Dog’s turn to play lifeguard,” says the television promo, but the reality of the situation is far less sensational.
“I was in my addiction,” explains the ’70s surf icon. “I was doing heroin. I had jumped bail, and he found me, caught me, and slammed me to the ground. Now the world is gonna see that, and all I can do is apologize; let the world know, hey, that’s not me anymore. I’ve moved on.”
“I was doing heroin. I had jumped bail, and he found me, caught me, and slammed me to the ground.” – Buttons |
Speaking with SURFING from his home in Hawaii, Buttons regrets that his mistakes will be aired on national television, but also confesses that being caught by the prime time bounty hunter may have saved his life. “I’m going to look at this as a positive,” says Buttons. “I’ve got friends helping me. I’m staying focused, keeping the sobriety that I’ve had since the time I got caught. I’m moving on, but it’s gnarly, brah. National TV — super gnarly. What can I say? What happened, happened.”
See more Messages from Buttons on Youtube.com
Since his release, Buttons has been surfing twin-fins around Town, scoring some Outer Logs tow sessions with Garrett McNamarra and mentoring local kids to help them stay off drugs.
“My life is joyous now,” says Buttons. “I’m having the best times of my life, so I’m just going to keep moving forward and doing what I’m doing. I train, I go to the gym, I’m buff…but stuff like this happens, and unfortunately, it happened to me.”
“The Big Wipeout” on Dog the Bounty Hunter will air Tuesday, May 15 9:00 PM ET, (and Wednesday May 16, 1:00 AM ET) Go to http://www.aetv.com for more.
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Aloha
I just watched ur episode on Dog , I just wanted to tell u and Megan . How proud I am of u . I myself have been off speed since 8/13/06 It has been a long journey. I have more road to go down. Today I go down those roads clean.
So keep up the great job. And Congrates on being a Father, and your wife being a Mother.
God Bless,
Wanda
p.o. box 0111
Homeland, Ca.
92548-0111
951-663-7620
One day at a time!
good job! We are proud of u !!!
Buttons – like you, I love to surf but can no longer do so because of an injury incurred while serving our country in military service. It warms my soul to know that you are doing well. Your episode on “Dog” had me so worried. My son ask me why I cried when I saw you. Only we know why, right? Stay strong a day at a time. Peace & blessings.
Sonja
Way to turn things around, Buttons!!!
Wishing you and family much love and, Aloha!
Thomas
A ja tam pierdole. Grund to sie nachlac i tego. Ja to jak se broFca nie lykne to chuj mnie szczela lot samego ranka. No. A DOG to po naszemu – Psiut. A jak mam co wyzlopac i do tego Jagna zagryche podrzuci i zrobi mi gale to dzionek jest w cipe.
who u tink ur kidding?
Mo betta you get real with your self and your cousin’s..
quit the shit or die.
u no me
a butts, proud of you bra! its not easy,keep it clean keep it wet one surf at a time
Buttons, im 14 years old and look to you as an inspiration. I saw on that episode that you had more than just love, but hope. Something we all need to get through tough times. Thanks to seeing you turn your life around, I will stay clean off drugs til the day I die thanks. (: #teambuttons!! I love you, alohaa!
You go Buttons, your the man, we all fall….good job gettin back up bro….Dave
everybody knew u can do it! god bless u!
hey buttons so glad to hear you are better , im so pleased that u are still alive , harmony rules i say bro
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Buttons surfing in the 1981 pipline. Then when I saw him on DOG, He gave me hope to stay clean. I was addicted to methadone for many years. It took away my love for surfing, life, everything. I’ve been clean for 8 months now.It gives me hope to see that Buttons makes it ONE day at a time. God bless.
my heart and praise goe’s out5 to you BUTTON’S my sister was a herion user for many year’s she would slam twice a day but when she found out she waqs pregnant she stopped using she had two beautiful kids before her passing two years ago this month june 24 s she was clean 31 years i enjoy talking to other people telling her story hoping it well help others im super proud of you ( LIKE THEY SAY BUTTONS ONE DAY AT A TIME )
Mate been way to long glad all is well with you as with me these days I still hear from Blair and Krystal Cheers Bruce from down under
One of my favorite episodes. So proud of you Buttons!!!
Hope you’re doing well buttons! Good luck, stay clean & I love your moves!
Melis
Hi Buttons this is 2012 how are you since your capture? I saw the dog capture you on Tv it was sad but good! are you still clean? if you are keep the good work up!! I am Irish in Ireland.
jpw
When I saw the episode on Dog’s show it was easy to see that you are a peaceful man with much talent. I am happy for you and your family. It’s great to see you helping people and you are truly a survivor and an inspiration to all.
Peace forever!
I was so shocked to see the Dog episode. I always knew I would see one of my old cronies from Waikiki Days on Dog. Much aloha to you Bruddah, You have given the surfing world a great legacy to go forward (7 KIDS RIGHT?) I still remember you at a first surf meet at Ala Moana’s in the early 70′s. What a fun kid you were. Good luck and keep on surfin. You are an original. You give a message of hope to the youth. One day at a time.
Was really upset to see you was on the gear but stoked to see your back good work buttons love from the Cornish boys
Way to go Buttons. I am proud of your strength you have had to beat your addiction. May God bless you every day and may people look up to you and know that no matter who you are everybody can turn their life around. You are an inspiration to all!
Well done Buttons. I came down the beach yesterday and my friend Mark had a SUP lesson with you and he gave you a book on Jersey, you can see in your crazy life of rushing around the magic and love you have for Life, people and family.You were my inspiration when i was a kid seeing the old videos and the Joke about the skeleton crossing the road but seeing you now you are still even more an inspiration. Keep ripping it up.
Jono
Jonos water sports . Jersey
Hey Buttons, just saw you on Dog, very sad brah, was tearing up this end. Please stay clean, don’t waste your skills on the board and with people.You got a beautiful woman, friends and you live in a beautiful country.
Stay clean for those who don’t have anything going for them
Peace bra
Good job Buttons keep up the good work! I was on the same boat & its not easy to kick that. God Bless you & Megan. Your an inspiration to the surfing world a legand. Keep going forward. God Bless you & your family.
Stay strong, brah. Enjoyed surfing Kaisers with you & Curtis.
Mike from Texas