Steven Kalei Van Gieson
Steven Kalei Van Gieson passed away at home on March 15, 2025. He was born on Nov. 14, 1961, in Lihue, Hawaii, and was a retired Journeyman Electrician.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hoby Van Gieson and Judi Spencer, grandparents Andres and Lei Polan and Hoby and Kumulani Van Gieson.
Kalei is survived by his children U‘ilani (Joshua) Yorkman, Tyson (Keala) Corr, Brandi (John) Knopski, Sheana (Shay) Alapai, grandchildren Waika Corr, Tevai and Kamaha‘o Yorkman, Jakob and Hema Naka‘ahiki Young, Shige and Yoshi Numazawa and Keiji Haloa Corr, Kyana Mata and Makua and Kahula‘ana Alapai, brothers Sol Van Gieson and Sam (Wendee) Van Gieson and sister Lani (Al) Aranio, step-father Fred (Nondice) Spencer, special friend Tiffanee Fujimoto and her daughter Lexi, as well as aunties, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
Please join his ‘Ohana for his Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Niumalu Canoe Hale at Kalapaki Beach at 12 noon. Lei are welcome; however, the family requests no flowers. In lieu of monetary gifts, please make a donation in Kalei’s memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Branch or the American Heart Association.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted with his arrangements.
Roland Kahoohanohanopa
Roland was born on the island of Kaua‘i on March 25, 1966. He passed away on Jan. 7, 2025, at the age of 58 in Alaska. He was raised in Hanama‘ulu, he grew up to love fishing and surfing. He spent his childhood days surfing the waves at Kalapaki Bay. Roland graduated from Kaua‘i High School in 1984 at the age of 18.
He bought a 24 ft Ali‘ikai boat and fished on his free time outside of Nawiliwili. Later on Roland had his son Koanalu. Eventually he sold his boat and moved to Utah. He then moved to Anchorage, Alaska and spent some time there. A few years later he moved to Eagle River, Alaska and resided there with Koanalu.
If you knew him; you knew his passion for surfing, fishing, and riding his bike. He spent his free time fishing for salmon or halibut and cruising the highways with his Harley.
He always wanted to move back home with his son. He dreamed of buying another boat and fishing the Hawaiian waters again. He was a man who many loved and cherished. He will forever be missed by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father Asa Pa and late brother Eliott Medina.
He is survived by his mother Theresa Medina of Lihue, son Koanalu Kahoohanohanopa of Alaska, siblings Rodney Medina of Puhi, Darlene Ayudan of Utah, Denise Kalani of O‘ahu, Elizabeth Pa-Graham of Hilo, Teresa Pa-Shook of O‘ahu, Asa Medina of Lihu‘e, Ralley Medina of Koloa, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A blessing and the spreading of his ashes will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. down by Kalapaki Beach Park. Join us at 12 p.m. for the celebration of his life by the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center, 3353 Eono Street, Lihu‘e, food and beverages will be provided.
