Obituaries

George Kuznecovs

Thursday, November 10th, 2022

George Kuznecovs passed away peacefully at Queen’s Hospital on Oct. 18, 2022, with family at his side.  Born on Oct. 28, 1941, in Germany, of Latvian heritage, he immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10, eventually settling in San Diego.  

He came to Molokai in 2001 after a varied career including beach lifeguard, TV news photographer and resort manager.  He loved the ocean and was a passionate free diver and spearfisherman best known for hand carved spear guns and shooting large fish throughout the world.  His interests were varied from rebuilding and driving classic Porsches, Formula 1 racing, paddling canoes, making award winning movies, traveling around the world,  wood carving, etc.…

Zarius Kawaihala’i Kaahanui Zoller

Thursday, October 27th, 2022

Our precious son Zarius Kawaihala’i Kaahanui Zoller gained his wings on Aug. 5, 2022 at just almost 3 months old. He was born on May 8, 2022 to parents Tysin Bryant Zoller and Starr Kaahanui. He is survived by his brother Zaden, grandparents Samsun and Claudette Kaahanui and Cindy Zollar and Charles Bryant. He leaves behind many aunties, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 29, 2022 at Kualapuu Rec. Center at 9 a.m. with lunch to follow. Casual attire.…

Colleen Sumitra Mahealani (Hiro) Colipano

Thursday, October 13th, 2022

Colleen Sumitra Mahealani (Hiro) Colipano, 53, of Maunaloa, Molokai, passed away on August 18, 2022 in Honolulu.  Born in Honolulu, HI on March 24, 1969, she was the wife of Nelson Colipano, daughter of Atilano Tamba Hiro (deceased) and Janice Pele. She was an accountant/bookkeeper/administrator, enjoyed cooking, loved to sing, dance and music of all kinds, was able to make people comfortable and had a spirit of giving and serving. 

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Maunaloa Community Center in Maunaloa, Molokai, Hawaii. Visitation (time to visit with the Ohana) will be at 9am-10:30am and Services/Program will begin at 10:30am-11:30am with lunch to follow.…

Mary Grace Kekalia

Thursday, October 13th, 2022

Beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Mary Grace Kekalia passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2022 at the age of 81 in Kaunakakai, Molokai. Born Mary Grace Adams, she is survived by her three children, Deanie Sparks, Nathan Sparks and Helen Kekalia Wescoatt, along with five grandchildren, Emily Polis, Elle Sparks, Emily Sparks, Luka Kekalia Emhof and Heron Kekalia Wescoatt. Mary grew up on Oahu and was a graduate of Roosevelt High, before moving to her forever home on Molokai where she worked at Molokai General Hospital for many years before retiring and becoming an avid community volunteer. 

Celebration of Life will be held at Home Pumehana Community Hall in Kaunakakai, Molokai on Oct.…

Clifford Makoto Horita

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

Clifford Makoto Horita, 85, of Makakilo, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2022 at the Queen’s Medical Center.

Clifford was born on August 5, 1937 in Haina, Hawaii to Takeyoshi and Jane Horita and was raised in Honokaa on the Big Island.

He attended Honokaa High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. After graduating, he went on to Northern Colorado College where he earned a masters degree in Education. While attending college, he earned a spot on the tennis team and his proudest moment came when he and his partner went on to win the Colorado state doubles title.…

Kenneth Kenji Okimoto

Wednesday, September 21st, 2022

Kenneth Kenji Okimoto 76, of Waianae, Hawaii passed away peacefully on October 20, 2020.  He was born on June 21, 1944 to David and Betty Okimoto. 

Ken was Chairman of the Board of The Waianae Store, Nanakuli Super, and Friendly Market Center, and he retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1994.

Ken is survived by his wife Margaret; sons Kurt (Christy), Kyle (Pamela), Kris (Michelle), and Kit (Evelyn); 8 grandchildren; and sisters Gail Okimoto, Janis Lenox, and Lynne (Terry) Copperman.  He is preceded in death by his parents, infant brother James, and sister Janet Okimoto. 

Private services were held, and a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at St.…

Arizona Aki

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

Arizona Aki was born on Sept. 6, 1948 and passed away on Aug. 23, 2022. She was an Army Captain, registered nurse, certified school teacher and my wife. She loved her Jesus and the people and island of Molokai.

She is survived by her husband John Lee Aki; brothers William and Lee Ronald Henderson; sister Virginia Powell; sons Gregory Henderson, Morris Staton and Lonnie Henderson; and daughters Natasha Arizona Cox and Laura Novella Bryant. 

Services planned at a later date.…

Obituary: Scott Kaʻuhanehonokawailani Adams

Wednesday, September 14th, 2022

As the sunset slowly into the sea on August 20, 2022 Scott Kaʻuhanehonokawailani Adams took his final breath. Like the flash of green seen just as the sun makes its final descent he left his earthly presence to join his kūpuna.

Surrounded by his wife Mayumi Momilani Takeda-Adams, his mother, Sylvia AuHoy Adams, his children; Kealaokamaileawakea, Kawehihuneokawailani, Kamahinakalae, Kaulupamakealahou, Kamakahoominoaka and his sister Roxanne.

He is also survived by his brother Cole, his nieces; Malia and Eliana, his beautiful grandson Leimana and his many Uncles, Aunties, cousins and friends from across this pae ʻāina and the
entire honua.

Kaʻuhane was born to Walter Scott Kaʻuhanehonokawailani Adams and Sylvia Ann Mililani Sun How AuHoy Adams on May 23, 1967.…

William KCL Puleloa

Thursday, September 8th, 2022

William (Bill) KCL Puleloa was born to Amy Sau Lan Hee and “Jack” Mun Lee in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, on March 6th, 1943. When he was five years old, Bill’s mother passed away and he eventually settled under the loving care of his mother’s sister and brother-in-law, Ethel and Francis Yim. Throughout his childhood, Bill learned much of his Hawaiian heritage from his maternal grandmother, Isabella Kakainahoe Puleloa, and at age 21 finally fulfilled her request to change his last name to her own: Puleloa.

Bill attended St. Anthony Catholic School in Kalihi and later graduated as a proud 1961 alumnus of St.…