Obituaries

Diving Accident Claims Life of Paramedic

Monday, December 21st, 2015

Diving Accident Claims Life of Paramedic

While you consult Leppard Law: what happens now that I’ve had a dui? Have you ever thought about how severe an accident can be because of your carelessness? A 26-year-old paramedic from Molokai died in a freediving accident last Saturday on the island’s west end. Steven “Keku” Likua went diving with friends off Kaiaka Rock at about 3 p.m. He was last seen an hour later, approximately 300 yards off shore, wearing a camouflage wet suit with fins, snorkel and mask, according to police. When the other divers emerged, Likua did not, and after searching the area, friends reported him missing.…

Obituary: Tolentino Reyes, Sr.

Friday, September 11th, 2015

Obituary: Tolentino Reyes, Sr.

Tolentino Reyes, Sr., 83, of Ho`olehua, Molokai, died on August 25, 2015 in Honolulu, HI. He was born in Olawalu, Maui. He was a retired Heavy Equipment Operator and U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his Wife, Julia A. Reyes; sons Rodney Reyes and Tolentino Reyes, Jr.; daughters Debbie Naeole and Charlotte “Squeaky” Reyes, Belinda Reyes and Kapua Aalii Reyes; Hanai daughters Dee Dee Tabion and Lisa Daniel; brothers Tederico Reyes, Tederico Reyes, Clement “Macho” Reyes and Russell Reyes; sisters Rosita Yadao, Delores Keller, Thelma Alcon, Olinda Shefte, Adela Aamold, Sharon Reyes, Prisca Reyes-Clipper, Dolly Ai, Allison Mamala and Endille Mendoza; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.…

Mel Paoa: A Legacy of Humility and Humor

Wednesday, August 12th, 2015

Mel Paoa: A Legacy of Humility and Humor

Last week, Molokai lost a beloved waterman, paramedic, Hokule`a captain, mentor and family man. Melvin “Mel” Paoa, Jr., who dedicated his career to saving lives as the island’s first certified paramedic, was known around the island and the world for his quiet, aloha spirit.

Shortly after noon last Saturday, Molokai firefighters responded to a report of a boat floating unattended near Kamalo Wharf. Witnesses said they last saw Paoa, 62, tying up his 26-foot-catamaran in the area, according to fire officials. Rescue crews found him unresponsive, floating about 300 yards offshore and downwind from the wharf. After unsuccessfully trying to resuscitate him, he was  transported  to Molokai General Hospital, where he  passed away.…

Obituary: Jane Yuen Chang

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Obituary: Jane Yuen Chang

Jane Yuen Chang, the last surviving member of Y.K. Yuen’s family, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2015 in Maunaloa, Molokai. She was fondly known as “Aunty Jane” throughout the Friendly Isle.  Jane endeared everyone with her kind, gracious and gentle spirit. She was 91.

She was born in Honolulu on Jan. 24, 1924 to Lin Tai and Y.K. Yuen.  Her father opened the first pineapple plantation store on Molokai in the early 1920s, and eventually operated four grocery stores on the island.  Jane survived her sisters, Lilyan and Marybeth, and brother, Sonny.

Educated in Honolulu, Jane attended Hanahau`oli School and graduated from Punahou in 1941.…

Rep. Mele Carroll Passes Away

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

House of Representatives News Release

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former state House Representative Diana “Mele” Carroll.  She passed at 3:50 am on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 with her family at her side.  At this time services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Carroll was re-elected on Nov. 4, 2014 to begin her sixth term, representing the 13th House district.   The 13th District is a true canoe district that includes East Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kaho`olawe and Molokini.

“It is a very sad day for the House,” said Speaker Joseph M. Souki. …

Obituary: Mike Hiroshi Misaki

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

Obituary: Mike Hiroshi Misaki

Mike Hiroshi Misaki, 89, passed away on July 29, 2014. He was born on Aug. 24, 1924 in Kaunakakai, Molokai. He was the owner of Misaki’s Inc.

In 1945, he served in the Army for two years in the Philippines. Upon returning, he decided to attend the National School for Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio and later resumed working at Misaki’s. He was an active member of Kalaiakamanu Hou Church and was the general chairman for the building committee that built the Sunday school and parsonage in 1965. He also served as a deacon.

He was married for 63 years and is survived by his wife, Diana, his children, Kevin, Gil and Lorri, and his grandchildren, Kristen, Kory and Kekumu.…

Romulo “Mario” C. Casino, Jr.

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014

Romulo “Mario” C. Casino, Jr.

Romulo “Mario” C. Casino, Jr., 58, of Wailuku, passed away on March 23, 2014 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born October 2, 1955 in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

Services will be on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Molokai Baptist Church, Kaunakakai, with visitation starting at 9 am. Services begin at 11 am followed by burial at Kapakea Cemetery. Norman’s Mortuary assisted with arrangements.

“Mario” had a passion for life. He loved his family, friends, tennis, and watching sports. He and his wife were active in Filipino Community. They often highlighted as the lead solo couple dancers at many of the Fil-Am events.…

DiAna Makaokalani Lima

Wednesday, February 12th, 2014

DiAna Makaokalani Lima

DiAna Makaokalani Lima, 33, of Kapa`akea, Molokai, died on Feb. 3, 2014 in Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. She was born in Kaunakakai, Molokai. She is survived by her companion, Albert Kaikoa Espaniola; sons, Anoi Kaoo Kaukaleo Ihookalanipo Lima-English, David Kahikina Lima-English, Dylan Tanielu Lima-English and Shawn-Isaac Makanaakealoha Wise; daughters, Haliaka Lahela Makaokalani Naliko Lima-English and Taua Lealofa Ehukainani Lima-English; parents, David Ka`oo Lima, Davelynn Lima-Hardwick and Tuka Agemotu Jr.; brothers, Itula Keolanalani Suafoa, Jr., Keith Kaoo Tuka Suafoa, Andrew Mareko Logoai Kalima Suafoa, Keolamaikalani Samuel Agemoti and Kristen Franklin Agemotu; and sisters, Elenita Kuuleialoha Suafoa, Selega April Kaaua Suafoa- Yanez, Esther Napua Agemotu, Lisa Marie Agemotu, Nakita Ino Agemotu and Mischa Vay Agemotu.…

Yola Meyer Forbes: A Full Life

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Yola Meyer Forbes: A Full Life

Community Contributed

By Malia Forbes Greaney

Recently, Molokai lost a special daughter; distinctive because she was of a generation mostly gone by and distinguished by the incredible path she chose to tread.  Each road she took brought her home again.  This island daughter was kupuna Yola Meyer Forbes, who was raised, later resided and died on her Ho`olehua homestead on Sept. 9, 2013, two months short of her 80th birthday. Born in 1933 in Kalae in a small shack her father built, which still stands near the highway, they moved a few years later what would be their family home for more than 75 years.…

Honoring a Hero

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Honoring a Hero


Larry Helm, commander of the Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans, was laid to rest in the Molokai Veterans Cemetery with full military honors last Saturday. Helm died on June 19 and his life was celebrated on his 71st birthday. Photo by Catherine Cluett…