Obituaries

Phyllis Mililani Gomes

Friday, March 20th, 2026

Phyllis Mililani Gomes, 82, peacefully passed away at The Queens Medical Center Punchbowl, in Honolulu on December 21, 2025 with her children present. She was born on December 15, 1943 to William (Palapala) Starkey and Lucy English Starkey.

She is survived by her children Raymond (Eliizabeth) Gomes III of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, Aletia (Gerald Jr.) Mahadocon of Hana, Maui, Yolanda (Chad Sr [d] Puaoi of Hoʻolehua, Molokai, and Michael Gomes of Hoʻolehua, Molokai. She has 15 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Billy, Puanani, Bobby, Gerard, Ona Mae, Llewelyn and Darrell.

She’s a graduate of Molokai High School – Class of 1961, and was preceded in death by her late husband of 51 years; Raymond T.…

Robert Ukini Kalua Sr.

Thursday, February 12th, 2026

Robert Ukini Kalua Sr. entered his rest on Jan. 30, 2026, without urgency, without pain and as a final exhale.

Born on April 11, 1938 to John and Irene Kalua. Robert lived a life shaped by aloha — not as a word, but as a way of being: steady, loyal and quietly devoted to those entrusted to him.

He is survived by his brother John, his beloved wife Sylvia, his son Bobby, and his daughters, Shelly and Loli.

He is also lovingly remembered by his nine grandchildren: Justin, Gavin, Kaylee, Robbie, Koa, Ana, Chad, Molli and Megan. and three great-grandchildren: Rhea, Vyenna and Zavian who knew him as a source of safety, humor, and constant care.…

Doris Masaye Reed

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Doris Masaye Reed, 82, born in Kamalo, Molokai, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 6, 2025.

Doris lived a life full of adventure and aloha. Alongside her beloved husband Richard, she sailed around the world aboard Satan’s Doll with their faithful dogs, exploring new cultures, savoring incredible food, and making lifelong friends. She loved reading, tending to her plants, and writing about their travels.

From slinging drinks to baking her legendary macadamia nut pies, Doris had a gift for making every gathering special. She cherished R&R Tuesdays, lunch with her friends, and her daughter Carol’s cooking. Her warmth, laughter and love of Hawaiian music made every moment brighter.…

Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

Friday, January 16th, 2026

The descendants of Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr. honor our beloved makuakāne, who departed this life on Nov. 9, 2025, in his 86th year, at Moanalua, Oahu. Born Dec. 30, 1938 at Nānākuli, Oahu, 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.…

Glenn K. Nanod

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Glenn K. Nanod, 70, was born on Molokai on Nov. 20, 1954, and died at in Wailuku on Sept. 26, 2025. He valued education, was concerned for community issues and had a love for his daughter and family. 

Glenn’s education included MHIS 1972; Lahainaluna HS (3 years); University of Hawaii with an emphasis in Archeology; Cannons Business College; and MCC.

He worked as a substitute teacher; as an archeologist at various island locations while supporting the Molokai community with his research; at Ah Fook’s Supermarket until the store was destroyed by fire 2005 and then sold. Employers Options hired Glenn after he volunteered and travelled by bus to Lahaina to support and feed the fire-impacted residents.  …

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.…