Ernell Dagmar Pua‘ala Leong
Ernell Dagmar Pua‘ala Leong passed away on May 21, 2021, from advanced neurological disease. Born Jan. 26, 1942 in Waimea, she was the youngest child of Tai Sum and Priscilla Hualalai Leong.
A proud Kamehameha Schools alumni (KSK ‘60), she graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa before a 41-year career with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. She was a Mahaulu and Leong family historian, avid cook and lover of all things ono.
She is survived by siblings Rexford Leong, Llewellyn (Kay) Leong and Mynnette (John) Sentinella, and now joined in aloha by sister-in-law Dolly and nephews Leland and Kendall.
She could be infamously short on patience (quick to ask out of your car, or to put you out of hers), but so very long on aloha for all who loved her and whom she loved back. In her greatest times of need, she was kept in Ke Akua’s hands by the family at Analani ARCH (Cora Saludares) and the divine friendship of former colleagues Arthur Barba and Sharon Lum.
Sistah, Tita, Aunty, Tita Wita, Ernella, Ernie and Ernell: by whichever name we knew her, her bond was our earthly blessing.
A remembrance for family and friends will be held in the near future. Condolence messages and inquiries can be directed to Kent Sentinella at k_sentinella@yahoo.com.
Loren Dinsmore Franklin
Loren Dinsmore Franklin, 86, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on May 29, 2021. He was born in Washington on March 5, 1935. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked as a tour guide, Realtor, salesperson, distributor and in various other entrepreneurial pursuits.
He was preceded in death by parents Arnold and Viva Franklin and grandson Dean Ikaika Brown-Aiwohi.
He is survived by wife Carol Franklin, daughter Toni (Bob) Fahnestock of Nevada, sons Kelly (Helen) Franklin of Hanalei, Buddy (Sandra) Franklin of Kekaha, Boyd (Mariko) Franklin of Lahaina, Maui, Lorrin Aiwohi of Kapahi, Bryan (Akala) Aiwohi of Wailua and Nathan (Leah) Aiwohi of Kapahi, 15 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, sister Mary (Roland) Campos of Florida, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Friday, June 11, at St. Catherine Church, with visitation from 9 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home at noon.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Brenda Honda
Brenda Honda passed away on May 30, 2021, at the age of 75, in Kalaheo.
She was born on March 5, 1946 in Waimea, was an educator.
She was preceded in death by father Noboru “Nogi” Muraoka and sisters Lucile Horita and Priscilla Nitta.
She is survived by daughter Shari (Justin) Orian of Chandler, Arizona, fur baby Ziggy, mother Mikiko “Judy” Muraoka of Kalaheo, brothers Calvin (Jane) Muraoka of Hanapepe and Leighton (Lisa) Muraoka of ‘Ele‘ele, sister Sheila (Gerry) Tamura of Hilo, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
At her request, no service will be held.
Visitors are welcome to pay their respects at the family home until June 18.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Daniel Villanueva Ballaibe
Daniel Villanueva Ballaibe passed away peacefully at his home in Hanapepe at the age of 105 on May 23, 2021. He was born on June 28, 1915 in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
He was preceded in death by parents Maximiano and Honorata Ballaibe, brother Julian, sisters Kusta, Benita and Petronelia Ballaibe and Silvina (Cecilio) Tagatac, grandson Kalen Ballaibe and daughter-in-law Denise Ballaibe.
He is survived by his loving wife Salome (Salud) Ortal Ballaibe, daughters Rose (Malcolm) Doi and Sallie (Kent) Tomimoto, son Rudolph Ballaibe, grandchildren Daniel (Jennifer) Ballaibe, Ky and Kelsey Tomimoto and Noah and Emma Ballaibe, and great-grandchildren Kaya, Koa and Kailani Ballaibe.
He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes to those around him. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle smile and love for his family.
A celebration of life is Saturday, June 12, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa, with a walk-thru visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and celebration of life and service to follow. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Silas Aqui
Silas Aqui passed away on Feb. 15, 2021. He was a fisherman, farmer, police officer, security officer, car salesman and emergency medical technician.
He was preceded in death by father Andrew Aqui, mother Naomi Kauo, brother Arcadio Aqui, sister Naomi Wampler, brother-in-law Daniel Davila, and sons-in-law Nelson Makanani and Wayne Watanabe.
He is survived by wife Martha Aqui, sons Joe (Rita) Aqui of College Place, Washington, Gerald (Wanda) Aqui of Kalaheo, Glenn (Linda) Aqui of Puhi, Charlie Aqui of Kapa‘a, Reginald (Phil) Aqui of San Francisco and Marc (Dow) Aqui of New York, daughters Kathleen Watanabe of Kapa‘a and Jan Makanani of Hilo, brother Joseph (Bonnie) Yunson of California, sister Sally Davila of Kansas City, Missouri, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
A private celebration of life will be held this month in Anahola.
