Lane R. Hiramoto
On April 8, 2023, Lane R. Hiramoto passed away at home with family at his side. He lived a happy and full life, accomplishing his many goals.
After graduating from Kaua‘i High School, he attended the University of Washington and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. With an interest in diesel engineering, he was one of a few candidates selected by General Electric to enter into a training program which took him to several states over a two-year period. It was a rewarding training program, and one that enabled him to pursue (and succeed) in reaching another goal: to one day return to Hawai‘i and work for Hawaiian Electric. He was employed by HECO until his passing — over 35 years.
An avid motorcycle and car enthusiast, he enjoyed spending time with friends. He fondly remembered days of dirt biking with his brother Charles and friends Saki, Kevin and Lee and the Kalaheo boys. Always a grease monkey, he could be found at Harry’s Service, just his legs sticking out from under a car.
His later life was devoted to HECO and the volunteering/service opportunities it provided. He was a strong supporter of the University of Hawai‘i Athletic Department, especially women’s volleyball. He loved attending games at Stan Sheriff Center and supporting his favorite team.
His family will miss Lane: sisters Janis Cox, Lynn (Patrick Murphy) Douthit, Rae (Orlando Valvieja) Hiramoto and brother Charles (Maureen) Hiramoto, along with his beloved nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins. His many friends will miss him as well.
A celebration of life is Thursday, July 20, at Mililani Memorial Park, Makai Chapel. Visitation with family begins at 10:30 a.m. with services to follow.
Erlinda ‘Erla’ Bukoski
Erlinda “Erla” Bukoski passed away on June 15, 2023 in Lawa‘i. She was born on April 30, 1949 in Lihu‘e. She worked for the Hawai‘i Department of Education as a teacher and was a lifelong creator and crafter.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Michael Bukoski, parents Hilario Leanio and Juanita Malate Leanio, brother Hilario “Larry” Leanio Jr., father-in-law Manuel Bukoski and stepmother Eva Leanio.
She is survived by daughters Claressa (Frederick) Casticimo and Kristen Bukoski, grandsons Erick Casticimo, Kolby Casticimo and Avery Casticimo, Micah Bukoski and Landen Kaneholani, sisters Marian “Judi” Madijanon, Mabel Espiritu and Donna Leanio-Ahuna, brothers Rudy Leanio and Eric (Michelle) Leanio, sister-in-law Loretta (Jim) Bonilla, mother-in-law Margaret Bukoski, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to join us on Saturday, July 15, at St. Raphael Church in Koloa. Visitation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with Mass to follow.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Kathleen Christina Ladera
Kathleen Christina Ladera went home to be with her Lord at her home in Hanama‘ulu. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on Feb. 21, 1943 and passed away on May 26, 2023.
She was a graduate of Maxwell Vocational School in Brooklyn and later moved to Kaua‘i, and became employed at The Garden Island newspaper, retiring after 40 years of service.
She was active with Kalaheo Missionary Church, serving as a visitation worker and helping in kitchen duties of the church.
She married Robert Ladera of Kealia, and had two sons, Robert (Bobby) and Michael.
She was preceded in death by mother Grace Yon Gallart, father Pablo Yon Gallart, husband Robert Ladera Sr., son Michael Ladera and brother Pablo Yon Jr.
She is survived by son Robert (Bobby), brothers Tony (Reba) Yon Gallart of Michigan and Carlos Yon Aponte of Puerto Rico, sister Ada Fe Yon Aponte of Florida, first cousin Barby Shaw of Georgia, brother-in-law Wesley (Priscilla) Ladera of Hawai‘i, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the members of Kalaheo Missionary Church, Kaua‘i Hospice and to Rebecca Zamechik for her loving care towards Kathy.
A memorial service is Saturday, July 15, at Kalaheo Missionary Church at 10 a.m. Refreshments will follow.
Hilarion ‘John’ Martinez Luis Jr.
Hilarion “John” Martinez Luis Jr., 78, passed away on July 1, 2023. He was born in Dingras, Philippines on Jan. 3, 1945, and worked on Kaua‘i as a groundskeeper at Lihu‘e Airport.
He was preceded in passing by son Jaron Luis, parents Hilarion Sr. and Martina Luis and brother Felizardo Luis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Elena Luis, daughter Jaylaneen (Joseph) Lyons, grandchildren Hudson, Hunter and Alina, and sisters Maria Pillos and Irene Augustine.
A celebration of life is Monday, July 24, at Immaculate Conception Church in Lihu‘e. Visitation starts at 8:30 a.m., a funeral Mass is at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park in Lihu‘e.
Kauai Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
Carolyn Freida Kouchi
Carolyn Freida Kouchi, of Lihu‘e, passed away on July 1, 2023 in Garden Isle Rehabilitation & Health Center at the age of 85. She was born on Aug. 29, 1937 in Hilo. She was an office manager for the state Department of Transportation Harbors Division operations.
She was preceded in death by parents Daniel and Hilda Nelson, brother Daniel Peter Nelson and sister-in-law Ethel Nelson.
She is survived by sons Ronald (Joy) Kouchi of Lihu‘e and Scott (Sandra) Kouchi of Lihu‘e, daughter Valarie (Thomas) Harrison of Garden City, Idaho, grandchildren Rena (Justin) Deese, Dan (Katie Arita-Chang) Kouchi, Egan (Sarah Kern) Kouchi and Alec and Ryan Harrison, great-grandchildren Brady and Bryn Deese and Haru Kouchi, sister Barbara (Melvin) Soong of O‘ahu, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts).
The family would like to acknowledge Garden Isle Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, Kaua‘i Hospice and the team of nurses that cared for her while living at home.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Barbara Jean Ku‘ulani Leota
Barbara Jean Ku‘ulani Leota, 82, of Anahola, passed away on March 14, 2023, at her residence. She was born on April 5, 1940, on O‘ahu. She was a housekeeping manager at Pono Kai Resort.
She was preceded in death by parents Louis Mahelona Jr. and Rosella Mahelona, husband Peter Leota, son Peter Leota, brothers Ronald Mahelona, Stephen Mahelona, Alan Mahelona, John Mahelona and Charles Mahelona, sisters Gwendolyn Bargamento and Vivian Almeida, brothers-in-law Glenn Bargamento and Jerry Almeida and sisters-in-law Sue Mahelona and Karen Mahelona.
She is survived by sons John (Jan) Leota and Richard (Verna) Leota, daughter Lea (Steve) Myers, grandchildren Kainoa Leota, KT (Andrew) Leota-Khuong, Nicholas (Dana) Leota, Keoni (Anthony) Leota, Jantill Leota, Lealani Svobodova, William (Michelle) Soza and Natasha (Thomas) Leota-Shalawylo, hanai grandchildren Daniel Joao, Shawn Myers and Brandon Borrero, and numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life and scattering of ashes with family and friends is at Anahola Beach Park (Pilars side) on Sunday, July 23, 2023, starting at 11 a.m.
