Obituaries for Monday, March 12, 2012

• Levon Ohai

Levon Ohai

Levon Ohai of Kapa’a died on March 3, 2012, at the age of 70. He was born in Kapa‘a. After high school he earned a bachelor of science degree at Brigham Young University Provo in 1965 and then served in Vietnam in the184th Chemical Det First Air Cavalry Division.

After completing his military service with honors, he completed his master of arts degree from the University of Arizona in 1972. Levon began his teaching career in 1966 as a primary school counselor and taught at the high school and community school levels.  

He was an instructor of La’au Lapa’au (traditional Hawaiian medicine) at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, and he was credited with developing courses at UH Manoa, reviving interest in La‘au Lapa‘au among a new generation of native Hawaiians.

He also received, in 2005, his honorary doctorate for his mastery of and contribution to La‘au Lapa‘au and for his incredible knowledge of Hawaiian traditional medicinal practices and the Papa Ola Lokahi Kaonohi Award for his commitment to the health of Native Hawaiians.  

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; sons, David (Kaleilani), Benjamin (Ka’iulani) and Jesse (Nicole); father, Leo Ohai; mother, Clara Ohai; brother, Nephi Ohai; sisters, Anolani Haiola, Roberta Livingston and Laola Kau; and seven grandchildren.  

Visitation is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and service is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 4580 Ehiku St., Lihu‘e; 245-3063. Burial to follow at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery at 4331 Lele Rd., Hanapepe. Casual attire. Condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 4002, Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766.

Arrangements are by Borthwick Mortuary.