Obituaries

Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

It is with great love and humility we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston of Kapaʻakea, Molokai.

Born on Oct. 16, 1940, 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 many years as a cook and baker at the Hotel Molokai, “Old Pau Hana Inn” and past establishments like Hele on and Kane’s Bar. She was known for her sweet yet “feisty” personality and the aunty that you could have “good fun” around.…

In Loving Memory of Cherilyn ‘Cheryl’ Kahealani Uahinui

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

Cherilyn “Cheryl” Kahealani Uahinui, age 49, of Kalamaʻula, Molokai, passed away peacefully at 4:44 a.m. on July 14, 2025, at Queen’s Hospital on Oahu.

“With aloha in her heart and the spirit of Molokai in her soul, Cheryl walked with grace and gave with love.” Heaven-sent June 19, 1976, Heaven-bound July 14, 2025.

She was a loving daughter, devoted wife, sister, mother and grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. Her unwavering love for ʻohana and community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ekela Uahinui, her daughter Ashley Smith (Ekolu), and her precious grandchildren Avery-Hilaʻi and Lukela Ah Yee.…

Edwina Holt Cacoulidis

Thursday, November 13th, 2025

Edwina Holt Cacoulidis, 90, of Kaluaʻaha, Molokai passed away on Oct. 21, 2025 at Kuakini Hospital. She is survived by her sister Leatrice H. Scales of Kahului, Maui, son-in-law Darryl Dudoit, granddaughter Darryl-Lynn Dudoit of Kapolei, HI, and many nephews, nieces who loved her. She is predeceased by her husband Louis J. Cacoulidis and daughter Jolenta L. Friel Dudoit, parents Eddie Howard and Annie Apo Holt. Siblings; Eddie, Harry, Annie, Adeline, Emma, May, Owen and Sarah.

She grew up in Kaimuki graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1952. In 1961 she married and moved to Molokai where it became her home till her passing.…

Hattie Keliiaea Peelua Silva

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

Hattie Keliiaea Peelua Silva, 89, of Kalamaʻula, Molokai, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving ʻohana.

Born on April 23, 1936, to Jesse and Eva Peelua, Hattie was raised on Molokai and carried with her the values of aloha, family, and hard work throughout her life. She worked as a bartender at Pauhana Inn and for many years at the Sheraton Molokai before retiring. She was also a proud member of several organizations, including ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, Hale O Na Ali‘i, and the Molokaʻi Veterans Auxiliary. Hattie was a living link to old Hawaii, carrying forward the culture, traditions, and history of her ancestors.…

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.…