Obituaries for Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Remedios ‘Remy’ Balmidiano
Remedios ‘Remy’ Balmidiano
Remedios “Remy” Balmidiano, of Omao, passed away on Nov. 18, 2024, at Hale Kupuna Nursing Home at the age of 96. She was born on Sept. 8, 1928, in Waimea. Prior to retirement, she worked seasonally at Lawai and Kapaa cannery, Kauai Surf, and Kauai Laundry.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bernardino Jackson Balmidiano, parents Tranquilino and Estaquia Panera Palado, sisters Bening Villoria, Adella Briones, Coching Villoria, brother Erning Palada, granddaughter Rochelle K. Barretto and daughter-in-law Jenelle Wong Balmidiano.
She is survived by her sons Rudy Balmidiano of Hanapepe, Morven Balmidiano of Washington, daughter Norma (Robert) Barretto of Kapaa, grandchildren Garrick Barretto, Brandon Barretto, Shen Balmidiano, Jed Balmidiano, great-grandchildren Pio Buyat, Kenlyn Barretto, Sophie Barretto, Jaxon Balmidiano and sister Catalina “Talin” Florentino of Honolulu.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
The family would like to thank Kauai Hospice, Miriam and Kirah, the Hale Kupuna Maka Nursing Staff, Marites, Berna, Mercy and Neria, Dr. Lao and Lynn, Dr. Funai, and Bruce Hiraoka at Garden Island Mortuary.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Roberta Carol Agena
Roberta Carol Agena, of Waimea, passed away on Nov. 2, 2024, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 79. She was born on Jan. 26, 1945, in Waimea. She was an elementary school teacher.
She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Dorothy Dela Cruz, brothers Donald Dela Cruz, Gerald Dela Cruz and sister Ellen Dela Cruz.
She is survived by her husband Lowell Agena, sons Eric (Cathy Shibuya) Agena, daughters Stacie Aguinaldo, May Lee (Harvey) Llantero, grandchildren Brandie Aguinaldo, Jade Aguinaldo, Andrew Llantero, brothers Stanley Dela Cruz of Eleele, Ernest (April) Dela Cruz of Kekaha, sisters-in-law Aurelia Dela Cruz, Vicki Dela Cruz, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harry Akio Kakutani
Harry Akio Kakutani passed away on Nov. 25, 2024. Born on Aug. 15, 1944, Harry was raised in Lawai on Kauai. He was in the U.S. Army for three years, a journeyman in the Hawaii Carpenters’ Union for 10 years, and a carpentry instructor at Kauai Community College and for the Carpenters’ Union for 26 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Lea Kakutani, brother Yasuo and sister Marsha.
He is survived by his sister Sachi (George) Mori, two sons Neil (Lauren), Andy (Terri), three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Kauai Community College Theater on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Hedy L. Sullivan
Hedy “Hoa Aloha, Wife, Sister, Cousin, Mom, Mama, Aunty, Grandma, Tutu” Leilani Sullivan, 76, of Kekaha, Hawaii, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on May 15, 1948, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Frederick and Rosaline Jarrett.
She is survived by her husband Papa Steven, sons Darin Alhanati (Anysia), Randy Rustick, siblings Jeraldine Tanemura (Wayne), Frederick Jarrett, 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, many other hanai children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“O ke ola no i ka wai” – Life is in the water. Hedy has found peace, cradled by the ocean’s embrace and the eternal spirit of Aloha. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will forever light our hearts, a guiding star in the waters of our memories.
Plans for a celebration of life will be made and communicated at a later date.
Francis K. Nishizawa
Francis K. Nishizawa, of Lihue, passed away on Dec. 20, 2024, in Lihue at the age of 73. He was born on Nov. 19, 1951, in Lihue. He was a janitor.
He was preceded in death by his parents Nisaburo Nishizawa, Miyoe Shimomura and brother James Nishizawa.
He is survived by his wife Martina S. Nishizawa, sisters Minnie Nishizawa of Kapaa, Cynthia Nishizawa (Mark Gama) of Japan, nephews Anthony Gama, Derek Gama, both of Colorado.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Hongwanji Buddhist Temple located at 4-1170 Kuhio Hwy in Kapaa. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by service from 10 to 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank Dr. Raymond Martinez and his staff, Dr. Ash Kanan, Kauai Hospice, Estela Viloria and family (caregivers).
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Juanito Balisacan
Juanito Balisacan, of Hanapepe, passed away on Dec. 18, 2024, in Lihue at the age of 69. He was born on April 20, 1955, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
He was preceded in death by his father Zacarias Balisacan, mother Maria Balisacan, brother Ricarte Balisacan and sister Celerina Acoba.
He is survived by his wife Rizalyn Balisacan of Kauai, daughter Mary Cris Sierra (Jose III) of Honolulu, grandchildren Jose Sierra IV, Makaelyn Sierra, brother Pepito Balisacan (Emilia) of Honolulu, sisters Glorification Ballesteros of Kauai, Estrella Dela Cruz of Kauai, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 6:30 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Margaret Ann Thompson
Margaret Ann Thompson, of Kilauea, passed away at the age of 67. She was born on July 27, 1957, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was retired.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charlotte and Dick W. Thompson, brothers Richard Scott Thompson and James Douglas Thompson.
She is survived by her sister Suzanne Thompson Pond of Kilauea, nieces Alexandra Lei Pond (Daniel), Kieran Rose Pond Texeira (Nathan), great-nephews Kyler and Ryder Texeira.
A service will be held at a later date.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Charlotte Aiko Kaneholani
Charlotte Aiko Kaneholani, 78, of Anahola, passed away at Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Dec. 31, 2024. She was born in Hawaii on July 13, 1946, and was employed as a seamstress with Smith’s Tropical Paradise and boat tours and volunteered at Church of the Pacific Food Pantry.
Preceded in death by her husband David Kaneholani, parents Charles Kiilau Sr. and Haruko Kiilau, daughter Sarah Kaneholani, siblings Charles Kiilau Jr., Mollie Shigeko Kiyabu, Lulu Tsuruko Alicuben, Walter Masao Kiilau, in-laws Lily Kiilau, Raymond Napoleon, Shigeru Kiyabu, Wesley Kailimai, Lillian Kiilau, Harold Sato, great-grandchildren Jordaen Alisna and Alaena May Himeko Benavidez.
She is survived by her children Walter Masao (Lehua) Iopa, Mollie Ray Iopa, Charla (John) Brock, David Kaneholani, Maycia (Guy Ibos) Matsuyoshi, Kealaonaona Iopa, 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, siblings Pearl Kailimai, Charmian Sato, in-laws John “Jacky” Dean Alicuben, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins an in-laws.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 22, 2025, at Anahola Beach Park. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services and lunch to follow.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eugenio Celestino Bisarra
Eugenio Celestino Bisarra, of Kekaha, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 85. He was born on Dec. 18, 1939, in Alcala Pangasinan, Philippines. He retired as a groundskeeper at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elvira and Julian Bisarra, sister Bebe Bisarra, grandson Randson Tamio Bisarra, great-grandson Sean Santiago-Bisarra Jr. and first wife Pacita Ellamil Bisarra.
He is survived by his wife Emma Bisarra, sons Arnold Bisarra (Rhoda Lacaden) of Kekaha, Sean Christopher Bisarra (Shentel Santiago) of Kilauea, daughter Gina Bisarra (Art Remigio) of Kekaha, grandchildren Scott Anthony Remigio (Jacqueline), Arquilio Remigio Jr. (Gabriella), Terence Bisarra (Stephanie), Arden Sly Remigio (Tasha Okamoto), Tresen (Cherie Kawahalau) Lacaden Bisarra, Teresen Bisarra, 23 great-grandchildren, brothers Samuel Bisarra (Mely) of Lihue, Joel Bisarra (Lily) of California, Conrado Bisarra (Adelina) of the Philippines, Felix Sly Bisarra of Kekaha, Ruben Bisarra (Susie) of California, sisters Hermania Bisarra De Claro of California, Luzviminda Spence (Phil) of Ohio, Edna Barnes (David) of Idaho, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the St. Theresa Church in Kekaha. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. The family requests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Donald Mitsuji Pigao
Donald Mitsuji Pigao, 83 of Kekaha, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Nov. 17, 2024, in Waimea. He was born on Dec. 6, 1940, in Waimea. He retired as a Longshoreman with Young Brothers, Ltd.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne Corazon Parages Pigao, father Jose Madriaga Pigao Sr., mother Alice Matsue Pigao, brothers Jose Madriaga Pigao Jr., Ludivico “Jackie” Pigao and brother-in-law MacArthur Dela Cruz.
He is survived by his sons Neil (Consolacion) Pigao of Eleele, Keith “Tsuji” Pigao of Lawai, daughters Donella (Dante) Cambra of Kapolei, Oahu, Lori (Vincent) Nitta of Port Allen, grandchildren Kyle (Amber) Pigao of Las Vegas, Pulama (Taylor) Hess of Idaho, Alyssa (Kai Pagelsdorf) of Las Vegas, Shaianne, Shaila and Dason Cambra of Kapolei, Oahu, Kamryn and Caede Nitta of Port Allen, hanai grandchildren Katiri, Sarai and Sierra Emayo of Kekaha, sisters Rosita (Jerry) Sakamoto of Kamuela, Big Island, Linda Dela Cruz of Kekaha, Gail (Wayne Ayudan) of Kekaha, Jenny (Rommel) Manansala of Oahu, brother Ronnie (Johanna) Pigao of California, stepmother Luming Yapo of California, sister-in-law Rosaline “Rosie” Pigao of Eleele, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary In Lawai. Visitation with the family from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Traci Estelle Callejo Planas
Traci Estelle Callejo Planas, of Eleele, passed away on Jan. 3, 2025, at the age of 58. She was born in Waimea on Sept. 16, 1966, and worked for Hawaii Pacific Health as a medical coder.
She was preceded in passing by her mother Juanita Callejo and sister Elsie Callejo.
Traci is survived by her father Benjamin F. Callego Sr., children Jessica (Ui) Rabot, Travis Planas, grandchildren Anuhea Rabot, Frankie Rabot, siblings Patricia (Walter) Shaffer, Michael (Clarice) Callejo, Benjamin Callejo Jr., Alan Callejo, Manuel (Imelda) Callejo, Robbyn (Manuel) Silva, Jennifer (Aaron) Morgenstein, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo with visitation at 8:30 a.m., a funeral Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Justino Agno Ganutisi
Justino Agno Ganutisi, of Lihue, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on July 18, 1954, in the Philippines, and worked as an Irrigation Maintenance at ITC Water Management.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Teodora Ganotisi, brothers Marcelino Ganotisi and Viktor Ganotisi.
Justino is survived by his loving wife Ursula Ganutisi, sons Richard (Jennifer) Ganotisi, Joey Gano, daughters Brenda (Darwin) Samson, Mary Jane (Jefferson) Elaydo, Liezel (Jayce) Villaruel, brother Antonio Ganotisi, sisters Pacita (Demetrio) Asuncion, Clarina (Conrado) Tanaliga, Elidia Ganotisi, Marietta (Pancho) Baldonado, grandchildren Briana, Jett, Jon, Chadler, Sofia, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Ramona Mier Nakaahiki
It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Ramona Mier Nakaahiki. Ramona, of Kekaha, returned to our Heavenly father on Dec. 4, 2024, at the age of 92. She was born on Aug. 31, 1932, in Eleele, Kauai, Hawaii. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as well as a beloved community member at the Kekaha Senior Center.
She is joined in heaven by parents Macario and Perpetua Mier, husband James K. Nakaahiki Jr., son Radford Nakaahiki, daughter-in-law Susan Kay Nakaahiki, son-in-law Merrell Cardejon, brothers Michael Mier, Joe Mier, Sam Mier, sisters Annie Lee and Beatrice Whitney.
She is survived by her children James (Gail) Nakaahiki III, Gweneth Cardejon, Romayne “Lani” (Tommy) Matsuyoshi, Weylene (Michael) Santos, Melanie (Chris) Okamoto, sister Caroline “Lori” Bigno, 16 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kekaha Ward. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Kekaha Hawaiian Cemetery.
Elaine Momi Keamoai Gampong
Elaine Momi Keamoai Gampong, 82, of Kekaha, passed away on Dec. 27, 2024, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea. She was born on Nov. 8, 1942, in Puuwai, Niihau. She was a teacher.
She was preceded in death by husband Pedro Bala Gampong, daughter Arlene Momilani Gampong-Yaris, siblings Esther Keamoai, Levi Keamoai, Roseling Moonihoawa, Joseph Bekela Keamoai, Sarah Kaohelaulii, Andrew Keamoai, Josephine Blair, Makana Keamoai, parents Levi Hoolaai Keamoai and Rosalia Kanahele.
She is survived by sons Clyde Shintani of Kekaha, Gaylord Gampong of Kekaha, Peterlane Gampong of Hanapepe,Waylon Blair of Kekaha, daughter Kuuleimomi Gampong Keamoai of Kekaha, hanai children Jolina (Jose) Felix-Keamoai, Joni Keamoai, Hoku (Tish) Keamoai, Brian (Amber) Keamoai, Rosaline (Alex) Domenden, Betsy Wong, grandchildren DJ Kawaiola Yaris, PJ (Shandie) Gampong, Austin Gampong, Kairus (Leia) Gampong, Kaia Gampong, Louis (Paulina) Rita, Tiffany Gampong, Isaac Gampong, Ola Gampong, Stephanie (Jessica) Preston-Wada, Joey Blair, Momilani Martins,Kalawaiaokawaiolamaikalani Martins, Hilinaiikalani Martins, Halii Keamoai, numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
A service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at the Hanapepe Salvation Army, located at 4465 Puolo Road, Hanapepe, starting at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Hanapepe Hawaiian Cemetery. The family requests aloha attire, and Leis accepted in lieu of flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Danny David Smith
Danny David Smith, of Kekaha, Hawai‘i, passed away on Dec. 18, 2024, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 25, 1943, in Waimea, Kaua‘i.
Danny lived a life defined by his dedication, compassion, and love for family and friends. Danny D. Smith served his country with distinction in the Army, achieving the rank of Sargent. He was a member of the 1st Battalion (Reif) 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) serving as a marching soldier at the Arlington Cemetery. A highlight of his service was his participation as a member of the honor guard in the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, a role he carried out with solemn dignity and pride. Danny worked for the Kaua‘i Fire Department and retired as a Fire Battalion Chief after 31 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ambrose and Yoshie Smith, brother Ray Smith and daughter Maude Nalani Shigematsu.
He is survived by his wife Carol Smith of Kekaha, son Kawika (Keala Wann) Smith of Kekaha, daughter U‘ilani (Nolan “Aba”) Albarado of Pakala, son-in-law Troy Shigematsu of ‘Ele‘ele, grandchildren Trysen (Kimrah) Shigematsu Cosier, Theron (Melia Takakusagi) Shigematsu, Dylan (Litzy) Balaan, Tevin “Matsu” Shigematsu, Maka Shigematsu, Hali‘a Albarado, Kilinahe Smith, Kani‘ela Smith, brother Allan (Linda) Smith of Lihu‘e, and sister Linda (Ron) Gut of Wisconsin.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by service at 11 a.m. The family requests aloha attire. Flowers and lei are welcome.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
