Aaron “Keola” “Ola” Steven Keola Akina Jr.
Aaron “Keola” “Ola” Steven Keola Akina Jr., 47, of Pahoa died May 24 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, he was a former security officer for One Slap Protection. Celebration of life noon Saturday (Aug. 16) at OTEC Beach, 73-188 Makako Bay Dr. in Kailua-Kona. Survived by fiancée, Christina Davis; children, Kimberly (Paige) Akina Palapala, Kamalani (Keanu Asagra) Akina, Shaynee Akina, Chaicie Akina, Aaron Keolamana Akina, Tatiana Akina, Ezra Akina and Jaslyn Akina; parents, Aaron (Sharlene) Akina and John (Cindy) Ancheta; siblings, Daron (Cameryn) Moku, Cindy Kahealani (Greg) Akina Simmons, Samuel Cummins, Robert Kaulana Akina, Jaron Akina and Jordene Akina; three grandchildren; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Michael L. Ignacio
Michael L. Ignacio, 79, of Hilo died June 25 at home. Born in Laupahoehoe, he was a retired engineer from the former Verizon, later worked as a contract engineer and employee with 91直播an Telcom, U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran and member of 91直播 Island Umpires Association. Visitation 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service at 2 p.m. Survived by wife, Claudia Ignacio; children, Michael Jr. (Laurie) Ignacio, Lorena Ignacio, Jesse (Ja‘ae) Ignacio and Alex (Kaylee) Ignacio; sisters, Debbie Higashi and Donna Ayala; sister-in-law, Remie Ignacio; five grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Sila Lehua Jim
Sila Lehua Jim, 68, of Pahoa died May 25 at home. Born in Honolulu, she was a lomilomi, hula kahu hula. Private services. Survived by husband Harry Jim; children, Leinani Kukonu, Brooke Bray, Kapono Jim, Keani Jim and Keola Jim; siblings, Lono Bray, Kahala Hendricks, Quintin Bray, and Warner Bray; five grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Lawrence Tatsuo Tamashiro
Lawrence Tatsuo Tamashiro, 83, of Pahoa died July 25. He was born in Pahala. No services. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by wife, Ann Tamashiro; sons, Grayson (Lynnie) Tamashiro and Garrick Tamashiro; nine grandchildren; great-grandchildren. Arrangements by 91直播lani Memorial Park.
Nelson Albert “Strappa” DeMotta, 69, of Pepeekeo died July 11 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired truck driver. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Friday (Aug. 22) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Prayer service at 6 p.m. Casual attire. Survived by sons, Radford (Ronelle) DeMotta and Royden (Rachel) DeMotta of Honomu, Rusty (Raychelle Hanohano) DeMotta of Hilo; brother, Sheldon DeMotta; sisters, Lena (Wade) Carver of Keaau, Theresa (Kelsey) Valenciano of Texas, Eileen (Elroy) Rodrigues of Pepeekeo and Shaylyn DeMotta; hanai sisters, Evelyn DeSouza and Pricilla (Robert) Kamau of Hilo; sister-in-law, Michael DeMotta of Hilo; 10 grandchildren and a great-grandson; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Alberto Sarmiento Gantala
Alberto Sarmiento Gantala, 69, of Pahoa died July 26 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, he was a papaya farmer. Wake services at 6 p.m. Friday (Aug. 22), followed by all-night visitation at the Gantala residence, 15-3241 Hoopili St. in Pahoa. Visitation again 9:15-a.m. Saturday (Aug. 23) at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 15-3003 Pahoa Village Rd. in Pahoa. Mass at 10 a.m. Cremation to follow at Dodo Mortuary. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Anacleta Gantala of Pahoa; sons, Kenneth (Jasmin Eleneki) Gantala of Keaau and Bradley (Aprille Cariaga) Gantala of Pahoa; brother, Jack (Clarinda) Gantala of Philippines; sisters, Teresita (Benus) Ganal and Leonides (John) Quires of Philippines; three grandchildren; cousins and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Leona Ruth Kaapu,
Leona Ruth Kaapu, 97, of Hilo died July 29 at home. Born in Trenton, N.J., she was a retired administrator for Haili Christian School. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 23) at Haili Congregational Church. Funeral service at 10 a.m. Private burial. Oahu visitation 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Kaneohe Congregational Church, 45-114 Waikapoki Rd. in Kaneohe. Memorial service at 10 a.m. No flowers. Memorial donations to Haili Christian School. Survived by children, Sharon (Clement Jr.) Chang, David (Linda) Bruce Kaapu and Cynthia (Dan) Kaapu Lyons; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Juana Corazon “Cora” Manarpaac
Juana Corazon “Cora” Manarpaac, 79, of Hilo died June 14 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, she was an employee for the former Hamakua Sugar Co. and 91直播an Holiday Macadamia Nut Co., a caregiver and officeholder at Adult Residential Care Association, Filipino interpreter for Department of Human Services, member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Big Island Filipino Community Council, and represented the state as Mrs. 91直播 Filipina in 1998. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 21) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 6 p.m. Graveside committal service 11 a.m. Friday (Aug. 22) at 91直播lani Memorial Park. Casual attire. Survived by daughters, Lisa (Rhouel) Masulit, Marisa (Ryan) Viernes, and Melanie (Selena) Manarpaac of Hilo, Elena (John) Trinidad of Las Vegas, Anita (Philip) Earthly of Bonaire, Ga., Hannah (Michael) Shockley of Kailua-Kona; son, Joshua (Jineane) Manarpaac of Hilo; brother, Alan Cabasug of Honolulu; sister, Veronica Esteban of Honolulu; 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
