Obituaries

Sister Jessie Alai Kai, SS.CC.

Wednesday, December 14th, 2022

Born in Hilo on August 18, 1942 to Herbert Kai Sr. and Regina Aiu, Sister Jessie Alai Kai, SS.CC. went peacefully home to God on Dec. 2, 2022 at the convent of Malia o ka Malu on 4th Avenue in Honolulu. 

In 2009, Sister was part of the group that founded a Sacred Hearts community at St. Damien Parish in Kaunakakai, Molokai, endearing herself to the people as parish secretary, religious educator and enthusiastic volunteer.  Due to failing health, Sister Jessie and the other Sisters of the Molokai community returned to Honolulu in March, 2022.   

Sister Jessie is survived by her sisters Regina (Otto) Furlow, Pauline Weddle, Diane and Victoria Kai and three brothers Herbert (Ingrid) Kai, Thomas and Paul Kai and numerous nieces and nephews. …

Diane Fumie Akina

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

Diane Fumie Akina (Tokuoka), 76, passed away on Nov. 16, 2022 in Seattle, WA.

Diane was born and raised in Molokai, HI. She moved to the mainland to begin her new journey and made Seattle her home. She worked very hard and retired early from Safeway Company. 

She was an excellent crafter and loved to use her hands to work. She crocheted, sewed, baked and had a green thumb for plants. She was very independent, strong and extremely organized. She was fun and up for anything.  Everyone who met her, loved her.  But most of all, she love, love, loved her family very much. …

Julie Marie Pierson Place

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

Julie Marie Pierson Place, age 66, passed away on Oct. 24, 2022 at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu surrounded by loved ones. She was born Nov. 8, 1955 to Lorel and Frances (Schuler) Pierson in Nampa, Idaho, who have both since passed. She is also predeceased by her husband Rhinehardt K. Place of Ualapue, Molokai. 

Julie graduated from Nampa High School in 1972.  She moved to Molokai in 1984. She worked a while with Hotel Molokai, Molokai Ranch and Molokai Realty. Julie worked for the State of Hawaii until her retirement in December 2021, dedicating 30 years to the Department of Human Services, Child Protection Division where she helped to provide services for foster children.…

Ethel Hatsumi (Kawakami) Umemoto

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022

Beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Ethel Hatsumi (Kawakami) Umemoto, 92, of Molokai Hawaii, passed away peacefully at her residence at Kahala Nui Nursing Home on Oahu on Oct. 28, 2022.  She was born on Oahu on Sept. 22, 1930, to Kiichi Kawakami (deceased), and Hanayo (Morioka) Kawakami (deceased). She is formerly from Kahaluu, Kane’ohe and Waimanalo. 

Ethel retired from the Hawaii State Hospital in Kane’ohe HI in 1993, She was a R.N. Nursing Supervisor.  She also was the vice president of Kahaluu Valley Nursery Inc. Ethel loved to play golf and belonged to Mid Pacific Country Club in Lanikai, Oahu. …

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.…