Susumu Sakaida

Susumu “Tonti” Sakaida formerly of Kualapu`u, died on Feb. 7, 2011 at Pali Momi Hospital in Honolulu, at age 86. He was born in Kaunakakai, and was a retired Journey General Mechanic of CPC Del Monte. Sakaida served in the U.S. Army 442nd I Company in WWII, and then attended Midwest Trade School in Chicago. He was an ILWU office, PAC chairman, on the Molokai Task Force, and after retiring, served on the Maui County Planning Commission and the Aquatic, Wildlife and Forestry Board. He was an Eagle Scout and an Explorer Scout Master, serving 60 years and receiving the Silver Beaver Award. He coached Little League baseball and Biddy Basketball, and was an avid fisherman and hunter, often saying ‘Molokai was the best place to live in the whole world.’

He is survived by sons Dane of Honolulu, Eric (Lauree) of Honolulu; daughter Grace (Ian) McKnight of Honolulu; brothers Seichi (Sally) of Honolulu, Manabu (Louise) of Wailuku; and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Sunday, March 6 at Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary, with service at 3 p.m. His ashes will later be placed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary is assisting with the arrangements.