Ponciano "Ponce" Cruz Rasa of Saipan — an early North Shore big-wave surfer, slack-key guitar player, Micronesia's "Surfing Senator" and land-use expert — died Sunday at The Queen's Medical Center following a long illness. He was 67.

Rasa transferred to the University of Hawai'i from the University of Guam in 1961, and finished his undergraduate degree in land matters at Hawai'i Pacific University.

Throughout his career Rasa worked on land projects in Hawai'i, Micronesia and elsewhere. But Rasa, who was featured in a number of surfing magazines, made his mark early, along with such friends as Eddie and Clyde Aikau, on the North Shore's monster waves.

Robert Lundy, a Kane'ohe business operator, surfer and longtime friend of Rasa, said his buddy could immediately pick up and excel at virtually any sport.

"He was a surfer, waterman, track star, tennis and softball player — you name it," Lundy said. "He was a superior athlete in so many ways.

"Bowling! I taught him how to bowl, and within six months he had rolled a perfect 300 game. He used to train with the Taiwan table tennis players, and he would beat those guys.

"He was among the pioneers on the North Shore. He rode Waimea the first year he surfed."

Randy Rarick, North Shore surf promoter, said Rasa was a familiar presence on the beach during the area's early heydays.

"He was a really happy-go-lucky guy who came in around the early- to mid-1960s — a kind of a notable guy who could ride some big waves," Rarick said. "He rode for Greg Noll. There are actually some pictures of him surfing Sunset."

Rasa left Hawai'i in the late 1970s, but returned when possible. In 1981 he was elected to the Senate of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Rasa is survived by his wife, Vivian; sons Steven and Ponce; daughters Nina, Melina, Vivian, Christina and Ioanis; and nine grandchildren.

A viewing and visitation will be at Mililani Mortuary from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Burial services will be Tuesday in Saipan.

Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.