Phil Scott
Phil Scott passed away peacefully at his residence at the age of 85.
He attended Colorado State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biological science, focusing on botany and plant pathology. He married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Eldean. They were inseparable.
He was stationed at Schofield Barracks as a first lieutenant, field artillery (1956-58). He began working at Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association as a lab bottle-washer. He entered the HSPA trainee program and started on-the-job training at different plantations throughout Hawaii.
He started at Grove Farm Plantation, then Hawaiian Ag. Co in Pahala, and finally at Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. on Maui. In 1960, He was hired by HC&S as a junior assistant agriculturist. He advanced through the company to eventually become assistant manager of HC&S, in 1974. He was also manager of East Maui Irrigation Co. from 1960 to 1982.
In 1982, he was promoted to general manager of McBryde Sugar Co. There, he began to investigate alternative crops — petal (perfume industry), macadamia nuts, tea and coffee. Coffee showed the greatest promise.
In 1987, McBryde transformed into Kauai Coffee, which at that time was the largest producer of coffee in Hawaii. It continues to be the largest producer in not only Hawaii but also in the U.S.
He planned to retire in 1992 but stayed on due to Hurricane Iniki damaging much of the crops. He retired in June 1993 after 35 years in the sugar industry.
He grew up on a farm in Illinois but lived the last 63 years in Hawaii. He was honored to work with and become friends with people of diverse backgrounds. He served the community as chairman for the board of directors for Kukuiolono Park Trust, Island School board of trustees and Antone & Edene Vidinha Charitable Trust distribution.
He was a talented wood craftsman. He also loved country music, cribbage, trapshooting, gardening, Disney trips, annual Colorado ski trips and walking his labs, Dolly and Babe.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was loved and adored by many. His humor, gentle, kind, playful and generous spirit are greatly missed. We will carry these qualities in our memories and hearts always.
He was preceded in death by Eldean, his loving wife of 60 years.
He is survived by his daughter Cyndy Bear (Dave) Jordan, son Phil (Karen) Scott, grandchildren Hokulani (Eric) Fujikawa, Kaimana Jordan and Krista (Jared) Miller, and great-grandchildren Keira Sky Fujikawa, Enzo Fujikawa and Kaylee Miller.
Kauai Memorial Gardens assisted the family with arrangements.
Wayne Watanabe
Wayne Watanabe, former Kapaa High School principal and football coach, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2019. He was born on March 1, 1943, in Honolulu.
He was preceded in death by parents Mildred and Charles Watanabe and brother Dennis Watanabe.
He is survived by wife Kathleen Watanabe, daughters Momi (Mike DeDeaux), Pua (Erin) Cobb-Adams and Lehua (Bryson Vivas) Watanabe, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.
The family invites friends, former students and colleagues to celebrate his life Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Kapaa High School cafeteria, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and h lunch to follow. The famiy requests those attending to wear green or Kapaa High attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leonora Saulibio
Leonora Saulibio, 92, of Lihue, passed away at home on Aug. 17, 2019. She was born in Sprecklesville, Maui, on July 3, 1927, and retired as an accounting clerk with Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by husband Leon “Panta” Saulibio, son Michael Saulibio, and parents Tranquilino and Faustina Romua.
She is survived by daughter Joanna Lynn (Albert Jr.) Kaui, grandchildren Michael David (Sophia Hsu) Saulibio, Tara (Steven Dunn) Saulibio, Ambrosia Kamakana (Matt Whitrock) Kaui and Ka‘ike Isaiah Kaui, great-grandchildren Jada Dunn, Aiden Saulibio, Ever Saulibio and Aliya Saulibio, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Aloha Church, with viewing from 9 a.m. and services celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Alfreda Haunani Ho‘okano
Alfreda Haunani Ho‘okano passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Aug. 27, 2019, at the age of 66. She was born on Aug. 18, 1953, in Waimea, and retired as the head custodian at Waimea High School.
She was preceded in death by parents Ohu and Eliza Ho‘okano, and sisters Ui Ho‘okano, Lehua Kona and Kiki Ho‘okano.
She is survived by lifetime companion Dennis Matsuda, son Shawn (Roslynn) Ho‘okano, hanai son Kaui (Dina) Kona, grandchildren Brayden, Ashley, Reyah, Ani, Raelee, Rayanne, Maya, Sumiko, Makaio, Kyana and Aliyah, great-grandchildren Braylee, Tayzlin and Kyrie, brothers Renfred (Michelle) Ho‘okano, Lionel Ho‘okano, Norman (Noe) Ho‘okano, Dean (Debbie) Ho‘okano and Delbert Ho‘okano, sister Joni Ho‘okano, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Kekaha Harbor House, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and service at noon.
The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Refreshment will be served.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
