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87, passed away on April 26, 2019. She was a kind, loving, and generous daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, co-worker, and business associate. Shirley lost husband Clive and daughter Lynette in 1992 and 1990, respectively. She is survived by daughter and caregiver Deborah R. Kai Sakamoto, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Shirley was born in Lanai City, Lanai, HI on December 19, 1931 to Nikahachi and Tejiu Araki. She was the youngest of the family -had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. She moved to Oahu and graduated from McKinley High School. After marriage, she became a supervisor/ buyer to a large, locally owned department store and lavished both daughters with Cinderella brand dresses. She then changed professions and worked as a bookkeeper for a premier luau entrepreneur. She enjoyed her job keeping 4 sets of books affiliated with the luau operations, a florist, a lei-greeting business, and local entertainers. She was meticulous and was known by the CPA to balance all 4 books to a tee every month! A lifelong fashionista, Shirley returned to the retail industry and worked part time at Liberty House/Macy's in retirement. Her generosity remained second to none as she continually gifted all family members with the latest clothing and shoe styles. Shirley was also a hands-on mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She happily obliged when asked to make her specialty meals including meat jun, mushroom chicken, and fried rice. She reminded everyone to never go hungry because the body needed "brain food" to survive. Shirley enjoyed traveling and visited Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, and many U.S. destinations including multiple visits to the Ninth Island. She loved music, dance, and entertainment and attended at least 50 live concerts in Vegas from Sinatra to Engelbert (her favorite) to Celine Dion. Shirley fell ill in mid-February and participated in the Hospice at Home program with daughter Debbie as her caregiver. Her wish was always to remain at home. Although Dementia symptoms ultimately overtook her body, she was still aware of Hanafuda values and flash card answers because of her accounting background. She sailed peacefully into the sunset with family members from 3 generations by her side on April 26, 2019. As 20-year-old, great- granddaughter Chloe described, "A nice, strong person carefully lifted her like a delicate bride and carried her away to a happy place." The family would like to acknowledge appreciation to Bristol Hospice, the Queen's Geriatric House Call Program, Nuuanu Mortuary & Memorial Park, and to Shirley's professional team consisting of Coach Koj, June, Stephen, Marie, Diane, Tiff, and Dr. Jon + 2. Private Celebration of Life held. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
We remember our father as someone devoted to his family. Who proudly taught and practiced the spirit of Aloha. His sisters will remember a brother who helped raised them, a teacher, someone they looked up to, a generous and gracious man who, like them, revered their mother. His cousins, brothers-in-law, nieces & nephews will remember a respectful, fun-loving guy who was quick to poke fun, jovial and a scotch-drinker. His friends will remember him as classmate, mischievous instigator, loyal and available. The dad we knew, was all those things and more, such as: husband, co-worker, nature-loving hiker, Kunia boy, pineapple picker, football player, a master bulgogi chef, Iolani grad, body surfer, business man and generally easy-going guy who everyone loved. We'll all miss you dad Hawaii has lost a true son. Memorial service will be held at St. Alban's at Iolani School on July 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Donations welcome to the Father Bray Scholarship Fund, Iolani School, in Memory of Howard Han Class of 1949.
Harriet Motoko Aoki, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 2, 2019 at Kuakini Medical Center at the age of 81. The eldest of five children, she was born on November 28, 1937 to Minoru and Yuriko Uyemura. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and the University of Hawaii with a degree in Business Administration. Harriet had a very successful career in the financial industry. She held executive positions at American Security Bank, First Interstate Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank and First Hawaiian Creditcorp. The Financial Women International organization awarded longtime member Harriet Aoki with a glass hammer for "breaking the glass ceiling of banking" by becoming the first woman commercial bank president in Hawaii as President of First Interstate Bank of Hawaii. She was President and Chief Executive Officer of First Hawaiian Creditcorp when she retired. Harriet served on various community and nonprofit boards because helping people was an important part of her life. She was on the board of HMSA, Aloha United Way, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Advantage Program, La Pietra School for Girls, and Parents Anonymous of Hawaii. She served as trustee on the board of the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation and was a member of the board of directors of the State of Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. She has served on the boards of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, Zephyr Insurance Company, Inc., and the Soroptimist International of Waikiki. In her retirement, Harriet's passion was her gardening, golfing, Pilates, traveling, Ikebana, calligraphy and enjoying time with her family and friends. Harriet is survived by her daughter Kariann Phillips; Brother Charles S. (Sylvia) Uyemura; Sisters Kathi S. Hong and Evelyn K. (Ron) Ice, nine nieces and nephews, and seven grand-nieces and nephews. A private Celebration of her Life was held at Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Carolyn Sau Kai Tani, a veteran educator at Kapi'olani Community College, who founded and went on to direct the school's dental assisting program for 35 years, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2019, in Honolulu. She was 93. Born in Honouliuli, to Alai and Kam Yung Loo, Carolyn graduated from McKinley and received her bachelor's and master's from the University of Hawai'i. She married James F. Tani, a decorated WWII army veteran, and the couple raised five children. In 1965, Carolyn began teaching dental assisting at Kapiolani Technical School (later Community College), and secured national accreditation for the program. In 1975, she received the College's Excellence in Teaching Award and chaired its Allied Health Department. Carolyn retired in 2000, after teaching and inspiring generations of students. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband James. She is survived by daughters Jalyn Tani Lang (Lance), Carlyn (Daniel Foley); sons Jason, Carson and Jonn; 8 grandchildren and 2 great- grandsons. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 21, at Arcadia Chapel, 1434 Punahou St. 10 am, visitation, 11 am services. Parking is limited so please carpool; upon arrival, check with Arcadia attendant for parking options. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to "UH Foundation" with a note in the memo line for Carolyn SK Tani Endowed Scholarship. Please mail to 4303 Diamond Head Rd., Ilima 212, Honolulu, HI 96816. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
89, of Halawa Heights, Aiea, passed away on July 8, 2019. She was an avid bowler who hit the lanes twice a week for over 50 years. Mina wanted to send her "Aloha" to her fellow bowlers and her many special friends. Besides being a good bowler, she enjoyed going to Vegas regularly and spending time with her ohana. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Akana. She is survived by 2 sons Russ (Celina) and Steven (Pani); 2 daughters Kathleen Akana (Ernie Kasza) and Collette Leimomi Akana; 7 grandchildren, Kip, Cheyenne, Kimo, Lani, Keiko, Daniel, Mark and 10 great-grand- children. She is also survived by a brother John Gonsalves, sister Diane Gonsalves and God daughter Doreen Rodrigues, in addition to cousins, nieces and nephews. Aloha A Hui Hou!!! Visitation 10:00 a.m.; Service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Borthwick Mortuary. Burial at 2:00 p.m. Hawaiian Memorial Park. No flowers. Casual Attire.
87, passed away on April 26, 2019. She was a kind, loving, and generous daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, co-worker, and business associate. Shirley lost husband Clive and daughter Lynette in 1992 and 1990, respectively. She is survived by daughter and caregiver Deborah R. Kai Sakamoto, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Shirley was born in Lanai City, Lanai, HI on December 19, 1931 to Nikahachi and Tejiu Araki. She was the youngest of the family -had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. She moved to Oahu and graduated from McKinley High School. After marriage, she became a supervisor/ buyer to a large, locally owned department store and lavished both daughters with Cinderella brand dresses. She then changed professions and worked as a bookkeeper for a premier luau entrepreneur. She enjoyed her job keeping 4 sets of books affiliated with the luau operations, a florist, a lei-greeting business, and local entertainers. She was meticulous and was known by the CPA to balance all 4 books to a tee every month! A lifelong fashionista, Shirley returned to the retail industry and worked part time at Liberty House/Macy's in retirement. Her generosity remained second to none as she continually gifted all family members with the latest clothing and shoe styles. Shirley was also a hands-on mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She happily obliged when asked to make her specialty meals including meat jun, mushroom chicken, and fried rice. She reminded everyone to never go hungry because the body needed "brain food" to survive. Shirley enjoyed traveling and visited Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, and many U.S. destinations including multiple visits to the Ninth Island. She loved music, dance, and entertainment and attended at least 50 live concerts in Vegas from Sinatra to Engelbert (her favorite) to Celine Dion. Shirley fell ill in mid-February and participated in the Hospice at Home program with daughter Debbie as her caregiver. Her wish was always to remain at home. Although Dementia symptoms ultimately overtook her body, she was still aware of Hanafuda values and flash card answers because of her accounting background. She sailed peacefully into the sunset with family members from 3 generations by her side on April 26, 2019. As 20-year-old, great- granddaughter Chloe described, "A nice, strong person carefully lifted her like a delicate bride and carried her away to a happy place." The family would like to acknowledge appreciation to Bristol Hospice, the Queen's Geriatric House Call Program, Nuuanu Mortuary & Memorial Park, and to Shirley's professional team consisting of Coach Koj, June, Stephen, Marie, Diane, Tiff, and Dr. Jon + 2. Private Celebration of Life held. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Age 102, died on June 27, 2019. Born in Honolulu on September 16, 1916. Graduated from McKinley High School and UH. Teh Chih Sheh sorority member. DOE teacher for over 30 years. Bea dedicated much of her life to her students but most of her life to her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and popo. She was generous to a fault and always had a gift for all occasions. Bea was married to Donald W. C. Ching. Survived by sons Gerald (Lorraine) and Wesley (June); grandchildren Melissa, Alisa, David, Nicholas, Travers, Christopher, and Krystal; great- grandchildren Christian, Josie, Spencer, and Avery. She was preceded in death by husband Donald and son Robert (Laurie). Private burial service. Memorial service to be announced. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel
HANSEL JAMES KALANI KALILIKANE, SR. "SWEETHEART" 70, of Waipahu, passed away on June 20, 2019. Born on February 14, 1949, he attended Lahainaluna and Moloka'i High. Proud U.S. Army Veteran, USC Dad, Drywall Journeyman for 40 years. Kalani is survived by the love of his life, wife Sharon, son Kalani, Jr. and daughter, Anela. O'ahu Services on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at St. Joseph Church, Waipahu. Visitation: 9:30 a.m.; Mass: 10:30 a.m. Moloka'i Services on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Maunaloa. Visitation: 9:00 a.m.; Mass: 10:00 a.m., Burial to follow at Maunaloa Cemetery.
96, passed from her earthly to her eternal life on June 9, 2019 at Hiolani Care Center at Kahala Nui. She was born to Emanuel and Hope (Hardenbrook) Nielsen on July 9, 1922 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Devoted to her family, friends, church, and community, she was affectionately known to many as "Auntie Betty." Marvin and Betty Shelby and their young family moved to Hawaii in 1964 when Marvin assumed the responsibilities of General Manager of the Wigwam Stores in Hawaii as one of the owners of the department store chain. A lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, she served as Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, and youth group leader. While she served her church faithfully in official capacities, it was the living of her Christian faith in her daily life that was the essence of who she was. Her generosity, compassion, selflessness, and commitment to serving others were reflections of her deep desire to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Betty was the founding benefactress of Hawaii Education of the Arts (HEARTS), a performing arts program in which currently over 100 kindergarten through college aged young people participate in choir, dance, and theatre classes, productions, and performances. "I call Auntie Betty the founder of HEARTS. We would not be here today if it were not for her inspiration."Pamela DeBoard, Hawaii Education of the Arts Executive & Artistic Director. Betty was preceded in death in 2002 by her husband of 58 years, Marvin Shelby, a founder and owner of Wigwam Stores and The Marsh Company. She is survived by her son Mark, daughter Kathilyn, grandchildren Christina and Stephen, sisters Judith Schultz, Carolyn Griffith, and Alice Jones...and many others whose lives she touched in innumerable and invaluable ways. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 20th, at First Church of the Nazarene, 408 N. Judd St., Honolulu HI 96817. Visitation: 3:00pm, Service: 4:00pm. Aloha attire.
54, of Waipahu, passed away on June 10, 2019. He was born on September 20, 1964 in Honolulu and raised in Ewa Beach. James is a 1982 graduate of James Campbell High School where he lettered in football, track & field, and wrestling. He also earned a medal at the USA Junior Olympics in boxing. A United States Army Reserve veteran, James worked for the State Department of Public Safety as an Adult Corrections Officer at OCCC for over 30 years. He was also a lomilomi practitioner for more than 25 years. James is survived by his wife Jantseen; children Kahaulahilahi and Pono; four-legged grandson Jesse; parents James and Reminidad Vegas, Sr.; siblings Keith (Nani), Craig, and Renee (Greg), along with many aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Mililani Memorial Park, Mauka Chapel. Visitation 5:00 p.m. Services 7:00 p.m.
Of Waimanalo, passed away on June 4, 2019 at the age of 73. She is survived by her sister Lydia Kaui and brother Edward Ahuna; 4 children Glory-Ann Hoapili (John), Martha Ing (Garett), Alohanapua Silva (Grant), Joeanna Silva (George); 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Services 10:30 am to 2 pm, Friday, July 19, 2019 at Borthwick Mortuary (Maunakea Chapel).
Joseph Keomaka, 85, of Honolulu was received and escorted in the loving arms of Jesus Christ to his reward peacefully on the evening of Friday June 28, 2019. Born in Hilo, Hawaii on March 26, 1934, second eldest of fifteen children. Retired Local 625 Iron Worker with Associated Steel for 32 years. He is survived by Brothers: Anthony "Tony" Martin, Clyde Agres, John Chuhing, and Edward Pascua; Sister-in-law: Henrietta Spencer; Sons: Lemuel (Ashlen), Jowin (Rori-Jean), Dwayne (Jenny), Elwyn (Roxie), Daven (Darrah Canady), and Lanson; 25 Grandchildren and 30 Great Grandchildren and an abundance of cousins, nieces, nephews, and hanai family members. Services will be held at Nu'uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary July 19, 2019 Friday visitation at 4:30 p.m. and service at 5:30 p.m. July 20, 2019 Saturday visitation at 8:30 a.m. and service at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery, Lakeview, at 1:00 p.m. Online condolences are available at www.nmpmortuary.com/obituaries. Aloha or casual attire.