Odetta Kapuaonalani NeSmith
Odetta Kapuaonalani NeSmith died peacefully at home in Kekaha, Kaua‘i, Nov. 28, 2023. Born Odetta Kapuaonalani Kauhane in Keaukaha, Hawai‘i, to Sam Kekuawela Kauhane and Annie Kealoha Kaaialii, she was one of eleven children. She served in the U.S. Army and married Bill NeSmith Jr., who served in the U.S. Air Force and worked at the NASA tracking facility in Kokee, Kaua‘i. He died Nov. 21, 1998. They are survived by their seven children John, Kevin, Rhealene, David, Pinky, Keao, Kimo, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two sisters Maile Hallums, Naomi Kauhane and sister-in-law Jaunette NeSmith Mauer-Reaneo.
Odetta taught hula to Kaua‘i communities under the Foundation for Culture and the Arts in many towns around the island in the 1970s and worked as an educator at Waimea High School, the California Department of Education, San Bernardino County, and Kula Aupuni Niihau A Kahelelani Aloha in Kekaha.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kekaha Ward, on Jan. 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon, aloha attire reqeusted. Internment at a later date at the Hawaiian cemetery in Kekaha. Contact Rhealene for more information: (385) 770-8770.
William Ackerman Allen
William (Bill) Ackerman Allen passed away on Dec. 11, 2023, surrounded by love. A frequent visitor to Kaua‘i, Bill was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1941—the first child of Jim and Eileen Allen, who went on to give Bill nine siblings.
The family moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1950. Bill graduated from the University of Arizona in 1963, winning a varsity letter in swimming his freshman year. He then moved to California and received his J.D. at Pepperdine University.
In 1988, Bill became a Commissioner for the Los Angeles County Superior Court California where he earned a reputation as a fair jurist, whose insights, well written judgments, and practical rulings were seldom challenged.
He attributed his expertise at calming the waters and arbitrating disputes in the courtroom to his position as the oldest sibling.
Bill loved athletics (swimming, body surfing, golf, hiking, racquetball), fine food (knew where to eat, what to eat, and how to prepare it), reading (a voracious reader, book recommendations were always at the ready), the arts (musical theater, foreign films, museums, etc.) travel (told you not only where to go but where to eat). His incomparable quick wit accompanied all he did.
He is survived by his wife Kathryn Sexton Allen (Kathy), who gave him unparalleled happiness the last 30 years of his life, daughters Elizabeth (Liz) and Rebecca (Becky) Allen, Kristin Farmer (Tai), two granddaughters Kiana, Emma, eight siblings (Betsy, Nancy, Kathy, Peter, Ellen, Patti, Michael, Barbara), numerous nieces and nephews. His brother and dear friend, Dean, predeceased him.
The memorial service is private. Donations in his memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Rosita Borje Molina
Rosita Borje Molina passed away on Dec. 11, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 84. She was born on Feb. 13, 1939, in Banaoang Santa Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She was a retired housekeeper.
She was preceded in death by husband Jose Marino Molina, parents Efipanio and Adelaida Borje, brother Demetrio Borje, Arsenio Borje, Jovito Borje and sister Felina Borje.
She is survived by sons Jose Emanuel Molina (Remelyn Sante) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael Borje Molina of Honolulu, daughters Maria Adelina Molina Britanico (Ronald) of Manila, Philippines, Mary Rose Molina Asunio of ‘Ele‘ele, Marissa Borje Molina of Koloa, grandchildren Rona Leine Britanico Umali (Jules), Ron Janmar Britanico (Paula Bianca Solidio), Kirby Jonald Molina Britanico, Justin Ryan Borje Molina, Raina Abigail Borje Molina, Nathaniel Kyle Molina Asunio, Kyla Chanelle Molina Asunio, Kiana Marie Molina Soliven, Tiara Soliven Thain (Kamuela), Joselyn Grace Sante Molina, Joshua Sevrino Sante Molina, great-grandchildren Lillyana Dawn Augustiro-Molina, Theodore Pio Britanico Umali, Tobias Gerron Britanico Umali, Akela Soliven-Bostick and Elon Mathian Solidio Britanico.
A service is Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at New St. Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa. Visitation is from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family the family with arrangements.
Kenneth Isamu Watari
Kenneth Isamu Watari, of Hanalei, passed away on Oct. 19, 2023, at the age of 67 years old. He was born on Nov. 23, 1955.
He was preceded in death by father Hideo Robert Watari and nephew Thomas Kaina Hideo Hashimoto.
He is survived by mother Elaine Setsuko Watari of Hanalei, brothers Robert (Lillian) Watari, Russell (Karen) Watari, sister Wanda Hashimoto of Hanalei, niece Lily Watari, numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
