Josiah Lanakila “Black” Hoohuli Sr.

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. Today, 57 descendants carry his legacy. He served as a U.S. Marine and devoted more than five decades to HIDOE, retiring in 2024 from his role as Head Custodian at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School. By advising on NAGPRA matters, he worked to protect iwi kūpuna. Through associations such as the Ahupuaʻa o Nānākuli Homestead Association, he upheld kuleana to land and community. Involved with places of learning such as Kula Kaiapuni and Kawaihona o Ka Naʻāuao Charter School, he supported the perpetuation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and ʻike kūpuna. A founder of Ho‘ala Kanawai and Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi, he was deeply faithful to the lāhui. He is survived by sons Ivanhoe “Boy” Hoohuli; Josiah “Juna” Hoohuli Jr. (Levina “Noe”); and Donald “Macky” Hoohuli (Johnette “Jay”); daughters Rachel “Momi” Conner and Olinda “Nina” Fisher; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 5 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Mililani Mortuary Park, Mauka Chapel. Na Iēhova e mālama iā ʻoe. (Halelu 121:7)