Mel K. Munechika
Mel K. Munechika passed away on Dec. 31, 2023, at the age of 65. He was born on Nov. 17, 1958, in Waimea.
He was preceded in death by parents Noboru and Michie Munechika.
He is survived by brother Guy (Julie) Munechika of Honolulu, sister Eve Domingcil of ‘Ele‘ele, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held in conjunction with his father Noboru Munechika on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Casual attire is requested and no flowers.
Noboru Munechika
Noboru Munechika passed away on Nov. 5, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born on Sept. 26, 1930, in Waimea and was a retired Department of Transportation, Airports Division Security Officer.
He was preceded in death by his wife Michie Munechika, siblings Yukimitsu Munechika, Hisao Munechika, Amy Awtrey, Ken Munechika and son-in-law Myles Domingcil.
Noboru is survived by sons Mel Munechika of Puhi, Guy (Julie) Munechika of Honolulu, daughter Eve Domingcil of ‘Ele‘ele, grandchildren Natalie (Brandon) Wilson of Seattle, Melissa (Joe) Cook of Italy, Bo (Nani) Domingcil of Anahola, Aaron (Kyrie) Domingcil of ‘Ele‘ele, Kai (Alexandria) Munechika of California and Drew (Hannah) Munechika of California.
He is also survived by siblings Edith Iwami of O‘ahu, Joe (Judy) Munechika of Lihu‘e, Amelia Uyehara of California, George Kitamura of Arizona, James Kitamura of Kapa‘a, Lawrence Kitamura of O‘ahu, 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with services to follow. The family has requested casual attire and no flowers.
Steve Evans
Steve Evans, 67, of Kalaheo, was born March 24, 1957, in San Luis Obispo, California, and passed away June 30, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center.
Steve was an accountant. He, with his wife Becky, founded and operated Meadowdale Accounting Services Inc in Edmonds, Washington, for 32 years, retiring in 2019. He loved the island and people of Kaua‘i and joyfully became a resident in 2020.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Becky Evans, his goddaughter Katie Hankins, sisters Vicki (Lane) Mason, Tina Evans, Lisa (Mike) Kretner, numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
He also leaves a wide range of loving friends who will miss his gruff exterior, big heart, and quirky sense of humor.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Rafael Gonzalez Villagomez
Rafael Gonzalez Villagomez, 67, of Kalaheo, passed away on June 9, 2024, in Tecate, Mexico. He was born on June 1, 1957, in LaMora, Michocan Mexico. He was the owner of Rafael’s Aloha Tacos.
He is survived by wife Janice Leal, sons Jessie Villagomez, Rafael Villagomez, mother Conception Gonzalez, nine grandchildren, sisters Olivia Villagomez, Sandra Villagomez, Luz del Carmen, Miriam Torres, brother Balthazar Villagomez, nieces and nephews Sarah, Joanna, Brian and Henry Villagomez all of Kaua‘i.
Rafael earned the nickname of “The taco man” through his business. He ran his business out of his trailer for nine years, traveling all over Kaua‘i, mainly at the farmers market held at the Kaua‘i Community College in Puhi and the Hanapepe Friday Night in Hanapepe weekly. He also did concerts and the 4th of July celebration at Po‘ipu Beach, among other events.
A memorial service will be held for friends and family on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Raphael Church in Koloa. The service will begin at 10 a.m.
Elizabeth Javonillo Bermudez
Elizabeth Javonillo Bermudez passed away on June 9, 2024, in Torrance, California, at the age of 73. She was born on Jan. 19, 1951, in Mambog, Sta.Cruz, Ilocos Sur Philippines. She was a registered nurse.
She was preceded in death by parents Ruben and Marcelina Bermudez, brothers Danilo, Fred Bermudez and niece Czarina Bermudez Ibana.
She is survived by nephews Michael (Pua) Bermudez of Koloa, Rexy (Summer) Bermudez of ‘Ele‘ele, Justin Bermudez of Hanapepe, nieces Hazel (Ronny) Bermudez-Mabini of Orange County, California, Diana Mae Bermudez Navarro of Orange County, California, Grace (Avelino) Bermudez of O‘ahu, Karla Bermudez of O‘ahu, grandnephews and grandnieces Jaydan Makale’a Bermudez-Mabini, Dr. Alexys (Thomas) Bermudez, Noah Bermudez, Adrienne Bermudez, Maika Bermudez, Deegan Bermudez, Brennan Bermudez, Paxton Bermudez, Ayva Rae Sevidal, Alina Rose Sevidal, great-grandnephew Kala Bermudez, brother Roy (Juanita) Bermudez of Lawai, sisters Emila (Antonio) Navarro of Hanapepe and Maria Vega of Carson, California.
A service will be held on July 19, 2024, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Kekaha. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., with Mass to follow. Burial will be at Kekaha Cemetery following the service. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
