Obituaries

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

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.…

Gregorson Rider

Wednesday, August 17th, 2022

Gregorson Kauha’aha’a Kahue Rider (Plante), 51, of Molokai, HI passed away at Memorial Medical Center on Saturday May 28, 2022.

Greg was born in Kailua, HI on Jan. 26, 1971. He is the son of Michael Rider and Donna (Kahue) Rider. He was preceded in death by his biological father, Albert Plante.

Greg was a very lively and active person who loved life. He was a storyteller and could captivate an audience. He enjoyed his work of farming and was involved in martial arts and the creative arts. More than anything, Greg loved his family and his Hawaiian culture.

He is survived by his mother “Loki” (Dave Barber); daughters Trista (Chad) Gibbens and MyKayla Stahl (Kohala); eight grandchildren; sister Leina; brother Brandon (Alisha) Rider; and haole mother Cinda Barger.…

Rosita Carrancho Casino

Wednesday, June 29th, 2022

Surrounded by family, Rosita Carrancho Casino, 95, of Kaunakakai passed away peacefully on Monday, June 20, 2022. 

Born in Santa Maria Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Aniceto Carrancho and Leoncia Dasalla in April 23, 1927, Rosita was one of seven siblings. She is survived by her brothers Abe (Cely), Felix (Antonia), Pedro Jr. (Linda) and sisters, Paula (Victor) and Rica (Joe). Preceding her to heaven are her older brothers Aurelio (Flora) and Joe (Rosario). 

Rosita married Romulo Casino, Sr. (deceased) on May 1, 1944. Together, they raised 10 children: Rodolfo (deceased) (Merced) Casino, Sr., Amelita (Edgardo, deceased) Arista, Evelyn (Francisco, deceased) Hocking, Teresita (Thomas, deceased) Matayoshi, Milagros (Julio, deceased) Bince, Romulo (deceased) (Liza) Casino, Jr.,…