Obituaries

Ellen Kay Sugawara

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of Ellen Kay Sugawara, cherished wife of Jack Spruance. Ellen passed away peacefully at home on the east side of Molokai on June 18, 2025. Born July 26, 1947, in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, her roots spanned to Japan, New Orleans, and Molokai. Surrounded by her loving four legged friends Oli, Koa, Polu, and Lulu, Ellen’s heart overflowed with love, and her life was rooted in the land. She touched us through her vibrant gardens and homemade meals. Her bright smile, full of warmth, kindness, and happiness, will be deeply missed.

Survived by her husband, Jack Spruance; sisters Joy (Stewart) and Kathy; brother David; nieces Beth, Sara, Anne, and Lisa; nephew Danny; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.…

Dean Kaiwi Place 

Thursday, September 25th, 2025

Dean Kaiwi Place, born on July 16, 1956 in Hoʻolehua, Molokai to Damien Sr. and Marie (Davis) Place, passed away on Sept. 6, 2025 in Kaunakakai, Molokai at the age of 69. Dean was the seventh of nine children. Dean retired from Hawaiian Research with many years of service and continued his work at Hotel Molokai as a driven hard worker. He made many friends along the way that turned into family.

Dean is survived by his loving daughters Shylynn “Peaches” (Clifford) Souza of Kaunakakai, Molokai, Shantel “Ulu” (Justin) Place of Kaunakakai, Molokai, Marie “Ona” Place III (Dillon) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his son Raven Place of Waiheʻe, Maui, as well as his seven grandchildren, Akeo Stone-Place, Healani Stone-Place, Kanoe Stone, Jazmine-Lynn Stone, Chapel Souza, Braxton Souza and Mikiʻoi Place.…

Evelyn Yokomizo Shinsato

Thursday, August 28th, 2025

Evelyn Yokomizo Shinsato, 95, born on February 14, 1930, died on July 16, 2025 in Waipahu. She was born in Pahala to Hisaji and Ineyo Fukumoto. After graduating from Mid-Pacific Institute, she studied dressmaking and design in Honolulu. Evelyn was preceded in death by her first husband Tsutomu “Durham” Yokomizo (d. 1980) with whom she raised a family on Molokai, and her second husband Kenzo Shinsato (Molokai High ’48) (d. 2022). Each marriage lasted for some 30 years. While living on Molokai, Evelyn was the organist at Guzeiji Soto Mission on Hotel Lane and sometimes played at other churches on the island.…

Jean Taeko Misaki

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Jean Taeko Misaki, born on December 16, 1932, passed away on June 19, 2025 in Honolulu at the age of 92. She was born and raised in Kualapuʻu, Molokai on the C.P.C. Pineapple Plantation. She is a graduate of Molokai High School, Class of 1950. She was married to Tadashi Misaki in October 1951 and they were married for 57 years. He preceded her in death in 2009. She retired from their business, The Auto Clinic and as a longtime part-time employee of Misaki Store. She is survived by her four children, Corinne (John) Wingert, Ruth Misaki, Ed (Junedale) Misaki, and Calvin (Stephanie) Misaki, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.…

Marvelee Melba Nahalaomapuana Heu Puaa

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Marvelee Melba Nahalaomapuana Heu Puaa

With deep love and fond memories, we announce the passing of our beloved Marvelee H. Puaa, who was born on February 19, 1934, and peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2025, at her home on Molokai, surrounded by her lovely ‘ohana. Marvelee lived a long and full life, filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished moments with family and friends. She is now reunited with her late husband, Nelson Puaa. Marvelee is survived by her three daughters, Willa Loa, Rina Bobiles, and Nelma Place. Her legacy continues through her 10 grandchildren, each a beautiful reminder of her love and strength.…

Randall Joseph Houk

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

Randall Joseph Houk, 73, a man of unique character and a generous heart, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025.
In his hometown of Eagle, Wisconsin, he was an avid hunter of raccoon, coyote, bear and rabbits. He also enjoyed roasting chickens and pigs for family and friends’ outdoor parties. He was very proud of his 40 years of working as a machinist, his German heritage, and his family.
In his retirement home of Kaunakakai, Hawaii, he was known for opening the church windows before Saturday service at St. Damien’s Catholic Church and walking the sidewalks of Ranch Camp.…

James Boettner Kaleolani Bishaw

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

James Boettner Kaleolani Bishaw, age 82, of Ho‘olehua, Molokai, passed away on June 17, 2025, at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
He was born on June 22, 1942, in Hoʻolehua to Christian Alexander Kaulakahinui Bishaw and Eunice Hi‘ileilanikalaponimoi Kamalo. James was known for his deep love for his ‘ohana, quiet strength, and lifelong connection to the land and people of Molokai.
He is survived by his wife, Mona Lynne Bishaw; daughters Jeannie Bishaw-Hamakua (Kanui), Hannah Briones (Alejandro), Sherry Yagin (Bobo), Barbara Rapanot (Noland), Raquel Pacheco (Richard), and Tiana Green (Travis); as well as many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
At his request, no services will be held.…

Smith Tipo Lafaele

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Smith Tipo Lafaele passed away June 14, 2025. Born on June 26, 1984, he is survived by wife Marina Lafaele, beautiful pride and joy daughter Amelia-Rose Luafalemana, mother Pele, and brother Michael, Tipo and Aneki Lafaele. He was a proud uncle to 32 hammah nieces and nephews. Known for his honesty, truthfulness and sense of humor, our #1 jokster. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him. Services will be at Oahu Mortuary Chapel at 2162 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu July 21, 2025. Public viewing is 5-6 p.m. with services 6-8 p.m.…

John Kakuihewa Kapu III

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

John Kakuihewa Kapu III, 85, of Ho‘olehua, died surrounded by family in Hauula on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.  He was born in Kahuku, Hawai‘i and is survived by his spouse Donna Kapu, 5 children, 21 grandkids and 29 great grandchildren.

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Irene Maile Michiko Pauole Kaahanui

Friday, June 27th, 2025

Irene Maile Michiko Pauole Kaahanui, age 82, passed away on May 13, 2025, at Ho‘olehua, Hawaii, surrounded by her ‘ohana. She was born on March 7, 2025 in Ho‘olehua. She was U.S. Army Veteran, director for MEO on Molokai, and retired as the Molokai Community Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Irene has been preceded in death by parents Robert and Helen Pauole; sister Annette Pauole-Ahakuelo; and stepdaughter Charmaine Davis.
She is survived by husband Charles A. Kaahanui Jr; sons Kelly Pauole, Justin Kaahanui, Jonathan Kaahanui, Charles (Alice) Kaahanui III, Chad Kaahanui, Shannon Kaahanui; daughter Sherry (Ronald) Sasada; sisters Roberta “Cookie” (Greg) Helm, Beverly Pauole (Dale) Moore, Melinda Talon; brother Mickey(Nadine) Pauole; mo‘opuna Kellysa (Namaka), Brennan, Kaya, Charice, Bryson, Jarian, Braeden, Ikaika, Kaleikamaka, Yukiko, Sumiko, Brandon, Matthew, Jewel, Lahela, Alicia, Amber; 19 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her loving pet companion Shushu.…