Obituaries

Juan “Johnny” Visoria Trinidad – The Youngest Sakada

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Juan “Johnny” Trinidad was born to Leoncio Rodrigues Trinidad and Lucia Visoria on Feb. 8, 1928 in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was the oldest of eight children.

He was only 18 years old when he was recruited by the Hawaii Sugar Plantation Association, where his compadres averaged 10 years older than him. He boarded the USS Maunawili, on April 3, 1946, to arrive in Hawaii in October. Thus, he became known as the “Youngest Sakada.”

Juan worked for California Packing Company (CPC) and Del Monte Corporation for a total of 51 years, starting off as a pineapple laborer, and then a truck and harvester driver, a luna and lastly, as a welder in the Kualapuu Shop.…

Robert Mack Granger

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025

Robert Mack Granger passed away quietly on Dec. 16, 2024, at home on Molokai at the age of 84.
Born July 20, 1940 in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Lucille Mack Granger and Ignace A. Granger, Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.
He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor’s in General Agriculture, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Master’s in Agronomy, and the University of Minnesota with a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He worked 30 years for Cargill of Minneapolis in their seed division developing corn hybrids. His work took him to Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.…

Wilfred Takahashi

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Born June 24, 1932, Wilfred Takahashi, known as Willie, passed away on Dec. 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife Teresita, daughter Maricel and grandsons Benjamin Jr. and Treve.
Before moving to Molokai, Willie served his country in the Korean War, and worked in construction. He also worked at Wailea Golf Course, where he met his darling wife, Tessie. Willie was the last of his veteran friends to survive their daily breakfast club at either Kanemitsu Bakery or at Mrs. K’s. For years, Willie was our famous bell ringer for weekend masses at St. Damien.
Willie’s services will be held Jan.…

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

RollyAnn Dolores Leilani Kaalekahi-Adams, affectionately known as KK, daughter of Lalae and Mano Kaalekahi (both deceased), she passed away at the age of 62 on Aug. 11, 2024, She is survived by her husband, Michael Adams, sons Kale (Martina), Cody (Kara) and daughter Kiana (Anthony and Sarah); sisters Rollanda Kaalekahi, Rolda (Sione) Mauala and brother Rolland Jr.
Services will be held on Dec. 27, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kalamaula with a burial to follow at the VA cemetery in Ho’olehua.…

Kevin Kalani Pagan

Thursday, December 12th, 2024

Kevin Kalani Pagan, 50, of Maunaloa, passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
Kalani is survived by his wife, Kimberly Albinio Pagan, stepchildren, Chantel, Kristina, Ryan, and Alyssa, hanai son Waiohinu, grandchildren, sister Shelly Ann Pagan, extended family, and friends. He was a dedicated educator at Maunaloa School as a librarian, tech support specialist, and Hawaiian Studies teacher. A former Kumu Hula, Kalani was devoted to sharing Hawaiian culture and traditions. His impact on the community, students, and family was immeasurable.
A scattering ceremony will be held at a later date. He will be greatly missed but will forever remain in our hearts.…

Georgiettie Likopualehua W.I.P. Tancayo

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

The stairway to heaven opened on Oct. 27, 2024 for Georgiette Likopualehua W.I.P. Tancayo to return home to her maker.
On March 12, 1961 Michael (deceased) and Irene Tancayo welcomed their eldest child, Liko. She attended Kaunakakai Elementary, MHS, and graduated from the class of 1979 from Kamehameha Schools. While on Oahu, she worked at Shiro’s Saimin restaurant, joined the Honolulu National Guard, and enlisted in the Air Force. After marrying, she welcomed her son, Kegal-Joe Fook Kun M. Burrill.
Returning to Molokai, she worked various jobs at Kaluakoi Hotel and Golf, Kalaiakamanu Hou Church, Molokai Visitors Association, Mahalo Airlines, Mrs.…

Jovencio Areola Ruiz Jr.

Thursday, November 21st, 2024

Jovencio Areola Ruiz Jr. passed away at his home on Monday, Sept. 14, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 23, 1947, to Tito Pascua and Conchita Areola Ruiz in La Union, Phillipines. Jovencio was preceded in death by his son, Jovencio “Boy” Ruiz, and is survived by his wife, Maria, daughters Jovilyn (Shane) Dudoit and Noreen Ruiz, grandchildren Kailee, Haloa, Haku, Hali’ and Isiah, and great granddaughter Everly, as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving Jovencio are his siblings, Orlino Ruiz, Arthur Ruiz, Frank Ruiz, Rodaree Ruiz and Manny Ruiz.

Services will be held on Maui, on Thursday, Nov.…

Joseph Sotero Manaba

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Joseph “Joe” Sotero Manaba was born to Sotero and Marie Manaba on March 19, 1941 at Shingle’s Memorial Hospital in Ho’olehua, Molokai. On the morning of October 10, 2024, after fulfilling a beautiful 83 years of life, Joe left his Earthly home in Kamiloloa, to be welcomed into his new eternal home with God.

Joe is survived by his wife Dolores “Dodie” Manaba; children, Tania Manaba, Desmund (Christy) Manaba, Tertia Keliiholokai, Dedric (Jersula) Manaba, Deidre Manaba, and Jordan “Koa” (Rebecca) Manaba; 18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and his sister, Paulette Kortekaas. Joe was preceded in death by his brother Randolph “Randy” Manaba, and his sister, Mildred “Millie” Hayes.…

LeRoy Salvador Dumag

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

LeRoy Salvador Dumag, age 80, passed away at Corona Regional Medical Center at 9 a.m. on Oct. 11, 2024. He was born June 23, 1944.

LeRoy graduated from Molokai High in 1964, and he then served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He returned home and served as a police officer for Maui County. He mostly patrolled Molokai from 1973 -1979, earning the distinguished award of Police Officer of the Year in 1977.

LeRoy is survived by his wife of 59 years Linda Dumag, three children Leslie Dumag, Lisa (Dumag) Davis, and Leah (Dumag) Sola, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.…

James Kamakea Han Jr.

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

James Kamakea Han Jr. of Molokai died peacefully at home in Ho’olehua on Aug. 28, 2024, at 77 years of age.
He was born at home on June 29, 1947, in Ho’olehua to James Kamakea Poksu Han, Sr, and Tilden Kalamaku (Makaiwi) Han. He attended Molokai High School and then graduated from Kaimuki High School, where he played football. After graduating, he was drafted into the army, served in Vietnam, and is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

James was a marathon runner, canoe paddler, fisherman, taro farmer, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was married to Jean (Motas) Han.…