Lunalilo Young Wilcox
Oct. 8, 1961 – May 28, 2026

Kapolei, Oʻahu: Lunalilo Young Wilcox Sr., 64, of Kapolei, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones, his son, Oiakeʻewe, faithfully by his side.

A Kailua boy, and the youngest of five children born to Rosie Kahalau Wilcox, his life was deeply influenced by his LDS faith and the righteous examples lived by his grandparents, Joseph Oiakeʻewe Young and Rose Wauke.

A 1980 graduate of Kalāheo High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably from 1982–1988 achieving the rank of sergeant. He also spent many years in the food service industry. In 1997, he recommitted to living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Suffering from acute sepsis in 2012, Luna retired from his job as a crane operator at Sand Island Coast Guard in 2013.

Luna leaves a legacy of perseverance, faith, and determination to live your life with purpose; he instilled the importance of ʻohana and aloha for all things.

He is survived by his loving wife and eternal companion, Iwakilaukapu Fraga-Wilcox; daughter Keahiloa (Paina) Mikaele; sons Lunalilo Jr (Sarahli), Oiakeʻewe, Kamakaokalani, Lahaʻole (Anais), and Justin Kaʻanoialiʻi Kaʻanoi (from his first marriage to Ronnel Kaʻanoi Zuttermeister); and grandchildren Aizek and Kade Kaʻanoi; Masina, Lily Selina, and Talitiga Mikaele; and Lahaʻole Wilcox Jr.

Celebration of Life will be Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Kāneʻohe Stake Center, 41-117 Halaulani Street. Visitation: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Family Services: 9:00-11:00 a.m. Bishop’s Service: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Burial: 1:00 p.m. at Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery. Lunch to follow. E pū paʻakai kākou.

Until we meet again, Honey, Dad, Uncle, Luna, Papa Luna, Aloha ʻoe.

The post Haliʻa Aloha | July 2026 appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Malia Catalina Malakaua Nakapaahu
Aug. 15, 1933 – Jan. 2, 2026

Honolulu, Oʻahu: Malia Catalina Malakaua Nakapaahu, affectionately known as “Granny,” passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92. Born in Makaweli, Kauaʻi, she was raised in Māʻili, Oʻahu, and attended Waipahu School. She was a member of the Hewahewa ʻOhana through her great-grandmother Elizabeth Pihikula Napahi Malakaua. Granny’s life was a testament of love for her family, culture, and community and she will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She began her career at the Honolulu Airport Maintenance Division before relocating to Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island, then transferring to the Keʻāhole Airport Maintenance Division, where she was promoted to supervisor before retiring in 1999. After retiring, Granny returned to Oʻahu, finding joy in raising her great-grandchildren and indulging in her love for music and hula. She cherished ʻohana performances at the Royal Hawaiian Center and was a devoted supporter of Hālau Hula o Maiki for over 45 years. Granny was married twice; first to Gordon Joseph Mann of Fresno, CA, in February 1951, then to Lionel Ewaliko Nakapaahu of Makaweli, Kauaʻi, in 1958. Both of her husbands predeceased her, as did her parents Ariston Sanidad and Ana Marie Malakaua Alvior; stepfather Daniel Alvior; and sister Martha Kalua Servantes. She is survived by daughter Olivia Lee Puakeala Mann; son Gordon Christopher Mann; sister Marcia Alvior Kanoa; grandchildren Leandra Tazhi Puʻuhonua Tavares- Jumawan (Jaden), Abra Rashid Kaulana Tavares-Crisostomo (Eduardo), Kona Mann (Karen), and Daniel Mann; and great-grandchildren Kalauokalaninui, Kawaikikilani and Haʻahula Crisostomo, and Kaila Mann. Celebration of Life will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kāneʻohe.

The post Haliʻa Aloha | March 2026 appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Submitted by OHA’s Beneficiary Services Staff

Ua lele ka manu i Kahiki.

He haliʻa aloha no Gayla Haliniak, a wahine koa whose life was devoted to her people, her island, and her kuleana to Molokaʻi.

Gayla was a fierce and passionate advocate who was never afraid to speak up on behalf of her community. She was known for her feisty spirit and strong voice, especially when it mattered most. When she spoke, her words carried the mana of Molokaʻi: grounded, fearless, and full of purpose.

She served with deep knowledge, understanding Molokaʻi not just as a place, but as a people. Her advocacy was rooted in her love for Molokaʻi and respect for the voices she represented. She remained unwavering in her commitment, even when standing firm meant going against the grain. She lived for her people, always choosing kuleana over convenience, and pono over silence.

Thorough her 11 years of service to Molokaʻi as a beneficiary services agent with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Gayla gave much of her time and energy to support her island. She worked tirelessly to advocate for Molokaʻi and its residents, always with courage, honesty, and responsibility.

Gayla carried Molokaʻi, not only in her naʻau, but in the deepest part of her being. Her love for her island was ancestral and sacred; it guided every choice she made. She was a protector, a voice of truth, and a warrior of aloha who stood firm when others could not. And alongside her strength was her warmth, her love for her ʻohana, her laugh, and the insights she shared so freely.

Gayla stood fierce and firm in the love of her land, as a champion for her people – and her legacy will continue in the seeds that she planted within us. She will be remembered for her service to our lāhui and aloha for her beloved Molokaʻi Nui a Hina. Aloha nō.

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Alfred Mark Keliikukahaua Tam
May 28, 1940 – Oct. 23, 2025

San Francisco, California: Alfred Mark Keliikukahaua Tam, formally of Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu, passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2025 in San Francisco, CA. Mark, as we called him, graduated from Castle High School in 1958. Throughout his life he worked at various jobs including at CPC Cannery, at Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base as a lawn mower operator, at Canada Dry, and he eventually became a merchant marine which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. He would tell us stories about the people he met along the way and joked that he had “a girl in every port.” His brother, Dennis, shared that when he was stationed in Vietnam in 1968, Mark’s ship pulled into port and Mark hitchhiked 60 miles through enemy territory just to see him. In those days, Mark was fearless. A kindhearted soul, he was one of a kind – a man who would give you the shirt off his back – and always make you feel welcome and loved. That was the Hawaiian in him. Mark was a wonderful brother, uncle, husband and friend to those who knew him. We will miss him dearly but know we will see him again in Heaven with Jesus where we call our home. Mark is pre-deceased by his parents, Alfred Keliikukahaua Tam and Kulamanu Kolomoku Hardee Tam; and by his sister, Jeye Moore. He is survived by his wife Joyce Lee Hodges Tam; brother Dennis (Chery) Tam from Casa Grande, Arizona; sisters Kulamanu Jones from Kailua-Kona, and Tamar (Diego) Gonzalez from Henderson, Nevada; and by his close friend, Peter Ramos, who helped the ʻohana with Mark’s services. Celebration of Life services were held at St. Patrick’s Church in San Francisco. Aloha ʻoe, my brother Mark, ʻtill we meet again. I love you, Me ke aloha pumehana.

Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.
Dec. 30, 1938 – Nov. 9, 2025

Moanalua, Oʻahu: The descendants of Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr., honor our beloved makuakāne, who departed this life on Nov. 9, 2025, in his 86th year. Born Dec. 30, 1938, in Nānākuli, Oʻahu, he was the fourth son of Joseph Kahapea Paʻahao and Kulani (Lima) Hoohuli. Of chiefly, priestly, and warrior ancestry, he was the last of his generation, all seven brothers and seven sisters now gathered to Ke Akua in Heaven. He wed his one true love, Velma Lou Leinaala “Leina” Adams, on Aug. 17, 1963, at Nānākuli. Together for 39 years, they lovingly raised our ʻohana until her passing in 2002. Today, 57 descendants carry his legacy. He served as a U.S. Marine and devoted more than five decades to HIDOE, retiring in 2024 from his role as Head Custodian at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School. By advising on NAGPRA matters, he worked to protect iwi kūpuna. Through associations such as the Ahupuaʻa o Nānākuli Homestead Association, he upheld kuleana to land and community. Involved with places of learning such as Kula Kaiapuni and Kawaihona o Ka Naʻāuao Charter School, he supported the perpetuation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and ʻike kūpuna. A founder of Hō‘ala Kanawai and Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi, he was deeply faithful to the lāhui. He is survived by sons Ivanhoe “Boy” Hoohuli, Josiah “Juna” Hoohuli Jr. (Levina “Noe”), and Donald “Macky” Hoohuli (Johnette “Jay”); daughters Rachel “Momi” Conner and Olinda “Nina” Fisher; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Mililani Mortuary Park, Mauka Chapel. Na Iēhova e mālama iā ʻoe. (Halelū 121:7)

The post Haliʻa Aloha | February 2026 appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston
Oct. 16, 1940 – Sept. 6, 2025

Clayton, California: It is with great love and humility we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston of Kapaʻakea, Molokaʻi. The “matriarch” of our family and a woman of unwavering faith, strength and promise, on Sept. 6, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones in California, she entered eternal rest. Earline was 84. Born and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Earline worked for many years as a cook and baker at the Hotel Molokaʻi, Old Pau Hana Inn, and at past establishments like Hele On and Kane’s Bar. She was known for her sweet but “feisty” personality and for being the aunty that you could have “good fun” around. Her love for people, especially her ʻohana, was great and one of a kind. She will be forever missed. Earline was preceded in passing by her beloved husband William Harry Johnston Sr.; parents Eva and Jesse Peelua; brother “Junior” Peelua; and sisters Kanani Negrillo, Hattie Silva, and Leilani Wallace. She is survived by her children Wayne Peelua (Iris), Tammy Manuha (Api), William “Billy” Johnston Jr. (Volsha), and Charles Johnston (Noelani); 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; and sister Lorraine Higa. A funeral service will be held on Jan. 10, 2026, at the St. Damien Catholic Church in Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi. Visitation at 8:30 a.m. Funeral service at 9:00 a.m.

Guy-Gregory Kealakaula Aiu
April 5, 1954 – Sept. 22, 2025

Honolulu, Oʻahu: Guy-Gregory Kealakaula Aiu was born in the Territory of Hawaiʻi on April 5, 1954 to Boniface K. Aiu, Sr., a former Honolulu Fire Department chief, and renowned Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake. He attended Cathedral School and went on to attend Saint Louis School. After graduating he continued his education at Kapiʻolani Community College, graduating with honors. A talented musician, Aiu played the upright bass and was an original member of the musical group Kūlia i ka Nuʻu. During the 1980s, he also played music with a number of rock bands. Aiu was an athlete who enjoyed cycling and working out at the gym. He was also an avid surfer and waterman, who served for a time as a Waikīkī beach boy with legendary big wave rider the late Clyde Aikau. Aiu later worked in the local film industry, crewing on numerous productions for more than 20 years, specializing in lighting and rigging, as a member of IATSE Local 665 which represents Hawaiʻi’s technicians, artisans and craftspeople in the entertainment industry. Aiu never married and had no children. He is predeceased by his father, Boniface K. Aiu, Sr.; his mother, Maiki Aiu Lake; and his brother, Boniface K. Aiu, Jr. He is survived by his sisters, Colette Stanczyk, Karen Costa, and Coline Ferranti; and brothers Rodney Aiu and Scott Aiu. His celebration of life was held on December 22.

William Aweau Hoohuli
Sept. 9, 1941 – Oct. 24, 2025

Waipiʻo, Oʻahu: William Aweau Hoohuli was born on Sept. 9, 1941, in Nānākuli to Kulani Lima Hoohuli and Joseph Kahapea Paʻahao Hoohuli. One of 14 siblings, William was remembered by many as “a man full of aloha.” All but one of his siblings preceded him into the presence of the Lord; although on Nov. 9, 2025, his brother, Josiah Lanakila Hoohuli, Sr., departed this life as well. At Mākua, Oʻahu, William met his beloved wife, Kim Suzanne Salcido, born to Ralph and Matilda Salcido of Montebello, California. She became a respected educator along the Waiʻanae Coast and in Central Oʻahu. She passed on June 16, 2025, and the family takes comfort knowing she welcomed him into the next life. The couple married on Aug. 2, 1969, at St. Joseph’s Church in Waiʻanae and later made their home in Waipiʻo, where they lived for 46 years. William worked for Kaiser Cement Corporation for over 25 years. He served as maintenance superintendent with assignments across Hawaiʻi, the continental U.S., and Guam. He was a trusted resource in moʻokūʻauhau, guiding many families through genealogy and land matters. He served on the founding boards of the Waiʻanae Comprehensive Center and Hoʻāla Kanawai, and advised burial councils across the state. He is survived by daughters Suzanne Hoohuli Ely (Danny) and Deborah Hoohuli-McKinney (Sean); son Ralph “Kai” Hoohuli; hānai son Ralph “Nate” Salcido (Zillah); 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Dec. 30, 2025, at Resurrection of the Lord Church, Waipiʻo Gentry. Inurnment date pending.

The post Haliʻa Aloha | January 2026 appeared first on Ka Wai Ola.

Frances Lokelani (Kiaaina) Racoma
June 7, 1952 – Sept. 26, 2025

Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu: Frances Lokelani (Kiaaina) Racoma passed peacefully at home on Sept. 26, 2025, surrounded by her ʻohana. Originally from Waimānalo, she graduated from Kailua High School in 1970 and earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Honolulu Community College. Frances worked with dedication and care throughout her life. Her career took her from her very first job at Rocky Road Egg Farm to the Honolulu Community Action Program, the Bank of America, and eventually to Child Protective Services – even working a second job at Jack in the Box to support her ʻohana. Frances was an active member of the Waikīkī and Kaumualiʻi Hawaiian Civic Clubs, donating her time to serve the community. Clever with her hands, Frances sewed prom dresses for her sisters, crocheted, and crafted. She was also a skilled softball pitcher and coached Bobby Sox. Although a lefty, she learned to golf right-handed. Frances was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Charlotte Kiaaina; siblings Bernadine, Sarah Kealoha, Benjamin Jr., and Daniel Kiaaina; children Shannon Nayah Racoma and Runi “Buddy” Racoma Jr.; and granddaughter, Kaʻaiʻōhelo Nobrega-Olivera. She is survived by her sisters Dorlin Kaaihili and Janice “Penny” Kiaaina; children Victoria Puaʻala (Chris) Kimsel, Victor “Budda” (Malia) Nobrega-Olivera, and Stacey Racoma; Adopted sons Isaiah, Israel, and Fynix; grandchildren Genoa, Sharray (Adrina), Shardae (Keiki), Shaydan, Kaedan, Taedan, Xaydan, Paul (Megan), Joshua (Asia), and Matt; great-grandsons Kūnuiākea and Pāhili; great-granddaughters Faavae, Lelei, Taʻua, Kenese, and Lilinoe. Her love, laughter, and service lives on through her ʻohana and community.

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Jaudon “Koko” Koakanupalekaluhikahikioʻewa Kanealiʻi
July 5, 1947 – July 25, 2025

Jaudon “Koko” Koa- kanupalekaluhikahikioʻewa Kanealiʻi passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on July 5, 1947 in Honolulu, T. H. Koko became a professional musician at the age of 15, playing at military bases in the Pacific. After graduating from Castle High School, he served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he continued his musical career in Waikīkī. Known as the “barefoot drummer” he worked with Iva Kinimaka, Don Ho, Nephi Hannemann, Barry Kim, and more. Koko moved to Kauaʻi in 1979 where he was a radio DJ and an emcee at community events. Over the years, he had speaking parts in Hawaiʻi 5-0, Honeymoon in Vegas, and The Descendants. In 2003 he became a kahu, officiating at weddings and vow renewals, and blessing houses, businesses, island events, and celebrations of life. He was predeceased by his parents Roger Moʻikeha Kanealiʻi, Sr. and Rena Liliha Kanealiʻi, and his niece PJ Kaʻeʻeonalanikalaniumi Ah Loo. Koko is survived by his wife Julie Kanealiʻi; daughter Kaʻili Kanealiʻi; sister Rogerlyn Kanealiʻi-Wakinekona; brothers Al (Donna) Kanealiʻi and Roger (Maha) (Diane) Kanealiʻi, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Kayla Klebesadel; grandchildren Brynn, Keawe and Hanakoa; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his dog Uʻi. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 14 at Lydgate Park Main Pavilion in Līhuʻe from noon to 9:00 p.m. Casual aloha attire is requested. Bring a lei to wear and share. A scattering of his ashes will be held at a later date.

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Raynard Kanoho Suganuma
Dec. 8, 1950 – May 17, 2025

Raynard Kanoho Suganuma was born on Dec. 8, 1950, in Nānākuli, delivered by homesteader midwife Fanny Keoho. He was the hiapo of Melvin Suganuma and Kuʻualoha Kanoho Suganuma, welcomed into the world at their hale on Lepeka Avenue, where his ʻiewe was lovingly buried beneath the plumeria tree. Ray’s kahua was built on hard work, education, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to staying physically and mentally fit. A proud graduate of Damien Memorial High School, he became the first in his ʻohana to earn a college degree. He later returned to his alma mater as Kumu Kai, shaping the lives of thousands of haumāna. He was a lifelong athlete – a hula dancer for Ka Pā Hula, a paddler for many canoe clubs, a century cyclist, a coach, and an avid pickleball player. Ray lived the core Hawaiian values of kuleana, lōkahi, and aloha, and always had a warm minoʻaka. His ʻohana returned Ray’s ashes to Nānākuli, where he now rests in the waters off Zablan Beach. A celebration of life will be held at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel on Friday, September 12. Visitation: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Service: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Hawaiian lunch to follow. Flowers and lei are welcome.

Keith Alexander Kaʻohiai Kaʻahanui
March 19, 1954 – July 3, 2025

Keith Alexander Kaʻohiai Kaʻahanui, 71, of Kapolei, Hawaiʻi, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Keith graduated from W.R. Farrington High School in 1972 and attended Church College of Hawaiʻi (nka BYU-Hawaii). Keith’s career began at Hawaiian Telephone Co., retiring as a cable splicer. He later retired from his second job at Aulani Disney Resort as a counselor for Auntie’s Beach House. He was most recently employed at Prime Flight Aviation Services. Keith was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in the Arizona–New Mexico Spanish speaking mission. In his youth, Keith was active in the Boy Scouts, earning both Eagle Scout and Silver Beaver awards. He later became a district commissioner for the organization. He served as a seminary instructor and was the first bishop of the newly formed Kapolei Ward of the Makakilo Stake. Keith loved volleyball and coached PAL leagues as well as high school volleyball teams. Keith was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Ashlyn Kaʻahanui; brother Kevin; and grandson Seth Coen. He is survived by his wife and eternal companion of 49 years, Winona Kaʻahanui; children Jamie (Sheldon) Coen, Tracy (Jarrette) Beate, and Cy (Tristen) Kaʻahanui; grandchildren Stanton Coen, Solomon Coen, Kawehionapua Coen, Samson Coen, Jersie Ann Beate, and Jazzlynn May Beate; siblings Kerwyn (Danette) Kaʻahanui, Kent (Telaya) Kaʻahanui, Kimberly Kaʻahanui, Justin (Juanita) Kaʻahanui, and Kahealani Kaʻahanui. Maternal uncle Gregory K. Kaʻōnohi; and two paternal aunts, Haunani Orso and Uʻilani Colon. Keith was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

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Keakaokalāʻalohi Kawaipiʻikalani Kauliʻa-Neula was born on Oct. 1, 1987 at Kapiʻolani Hospital in Honolulu and raised in Nānākuli and on Maui. He passed away at Queen’s Hospital on June 20, 2025. His inoa kūpuna comes from his great-great-great grandfather, Tūtūpā Keaka Kekuia of Kapapala- Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi. He leaves behind one keiki Kahalepiliokealoha; his mākuakāne hānai, Kuʻualohanui Kauliʻa; three sisters Ebony Lehuanani, Jolina Kehaulani, and Honesty Kamāmalu Kauliʻa; and two brothers Kelena and Kealiʻi Neula. His Celebration of Life will be on Aug. 9 on Oʻahu and on Aug. 23 on Maui. E ola loa i ke aloha!

He Haʻikupuna Aloha no Keaka Kauliʻa-Neula

ʻO keia ka haʻikupuna ʻo Keakaokala’alohi Kawaipiʻikalani Kauliʻa-Neʻula ma ka ʻaoʻao o kona mākuahine ʻo Donalynn Kauliʻa, kona kūpunakāne ʻo Peter Kauliʻa, me kona kūpunakāne kuakahi ʻo Keliʻi Kauliʻa. Pēnei nō kēia moʻokūʻauhau o Keaka:

Hānau ʻia ʻo Keaka Kuia Kekuia, he kāne
Hānau ʻia ʻo Waiholua Kekaua, he wahine
Noho pū lāua a hānau ʻia ʻo Lepeka Kekuia, he wahine.
Noho ʻo Lepeka Kekuia iā ʻĪpaʻapuka Kauliʻa,
Hānau ʻia ʻo Julian Keliʻi Kauliʻa, he kane.
Noho ʻo Julian Keliʻi Kauliʻa iā Lokalia Maliano Keliʻiholokai
Hānau ʻia ʻo Peter Hakuʻolekalimaekakanaloa, he kane.
Noho ʻo Peter Hakuʻolekalimaekakanaloa iā Flora Mayoga
Hānau ʻia ʻo Donalynn Agnes Kauliʻa, he wahine.
Noho ʻo Donalynn Kauliʻa iā Glenn Hoʻohuli Neula
Hānau ʻia ʻo Keakaokalāʻalohi Kawaipiʻikalani Kauliʻa-Neʻula,
he kane….ka mea nona kēia haʻikupuna aloha.

(Ua hānai ʻia ʻo Keaka e kona mau kūpuna/mākua ma ka ʻaoʻao Kauliʻa)

E ola ka hā o ka ʻohana Kekuia!
E ola ka hā o ka ʻohana Kauliʻa!
E ola ka hā o ka ʻohana Neula!
E ola ka hā loa o kuʻu mākuakane.
E ola loa i ke aloha!

Submitted by: Kuʻualohanui Kauliʻa (Keaka’s adopted father/mākua hānai)

Katherine Leslie Hendricks
Nov. 14, 1947 – JUNE 4, 2025

Katherine Leslie Hendricks, of Kailua, Oʻahu, passed away June 4, 2025. She was born in Honolulu on Nov. 14, 1947. She graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1965 and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a master’s degree in public health. In the early 1970s she researched vaccine development for ciguatera at UH and for dengue fever at Lēʻahi Hospital. She served for 30 years at the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, initially focusing on water, air, solid waste, and hazardous waste management and enforcement. She was later promoted to supervisor for the State of Hawaiʻi Clean Air Branch, monitoring and enforcement. Kathy loved being around family and friends. She enjoyed finding new ramen and saimin places to try, watching movies, and discovering new places to shop. She always had a large pot of something cooking to feed everyone and was the designated sashimi cutter. She loved ballet and poetry and could recite numerous passages by heart. She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Ella Sawyer (Akuna Goo) and younger brother Thomas Sawyer. She was the proud mother of Jason and Melissa both of whom also predeceased her. Kathy is survived by her husband Todd Hendricks; brother Richard Sawyer; sister Barbara Sawyer; grandchildren Lea, Solymar, Grace, Sarah, Korah, Haruna, and Maximiliane; great-grandchildren Coda and Daphne; and all her Sawyer ʻOhana. Kathy spent her final days at home, surrounded by those who cherished her, much like she had always enveloped others in love and warmth.

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Irene Maile Michiko Pauole Kaahanui
March 7, 1943 – May 13, 2025

Irene Maile Michiko Pauole Kaahanui, 82, passed away on May 13, 2025, at, Hoʻolehua, Hawaiʻi, surrounded by her ʻohana. She was a U.S. Army veteran, director for Maui Economic Opportunity on Molokaʻi, and retired as the Molokaʻi community outreach coordinator for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Pauole; her sister Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo; and her stepdaughter Charmaine Davis.

She is survived by her husband Charles A. Kaahanui Jr; sons Kelly Pauole, Justin Kaahanui, Jonathan Kaahanui, Charles (Alice) Kaahanui III, Chad Kaahanui, and Shannon Kaahanui; daughter Sherry (Ronald) Sasada; sisters Roberta “Cookie” (Greg) Helm, Beverly Pauole (Dale) Moore, and Melinda Talon; brother Mickey (Nadine) Pauole; moʻopuna Kellysa-Michiko (Namaka), Brennan, Kaya, Charice, Bryson, Jarian, Braeden, Ikaika, Kaleikamaka, Yukiko, Sumiko, Brandon, Matthew, Jewel, Lahela, Alicia and Amber; 19 great-grandchildren; plenty of nieces and nephews; and her loving pet companion Shushu.

Irene was a strong advocate for her Molokaʻi community, focusing on public safety and the rights of veterans. She was a Hoʻolehua homesteader with a strong appreciation for Prince Jonah Kūhiō, a member of the Molokaʻi Veterans Caring for Veterans organization, and a member of ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu.

Irene’s services will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Hoʻo- lehua Congregational Church located at 2205 Lihipali Ave. in Hoʻolehua (behind Molokaʻi High School). Family viewing is 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and public viewing is 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Service is 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow at the on-site church pavilion.

John Kamikakeahonui
Aug. 11, 1972 – May 20, 2025

At the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), our tightly knit communications team sat together, fostering spontaneous collaboration and high productivity which resulted in numerous advertising, design and journalism awards. John Matsuzaki was the heart and soul of that team.

John was always kind and helpful, often going above and beyond to help others, while being welcoming, funny and creative. People often called him ʻoluʻolu (amiable). He embodied the aloha spirit.

Even with all the prestigious awards and accolades, John was always very humble while quietly helping everyone behind the scenes. As a natural leader, people gravitated towards him and followed his lead. He was incredibly generous, often sharing his lunch and gifts like Hawaiian salt that trustees brought for him from the neighbor islands.

With so many great stories about John, it’s hard to choose one. Once a coworker came to ask for help. We replied, that’s not us, maybe Board Services can help you. But John said, “Brother tell us more about what you need, and we’ll see what we can do.”

It may sound cliche, but we are truly better for knowing John, a great friend, mentor and upstanding person. He was the ALOHA at OHA and will be missed tremendously.

Me ka haʻahaʻa,
Lisa Asato, Nelson Gaspar, Francine Murray and Treena Shapiro

After working at OHA for 12 years, John and his ʻohana relocated to California in 2017. He was a Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduate and had a degree in graphic arts and print production from Honolulu Community College. John is survived by his wife Juli, sons Jonah, Jonas and Joss, and daughter Julia, his four siblings and a large, loving extended ʻohana.

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