Karen Hanako Kihara
Karen Hanako Kihara, 73, was born on Nov. 21, 1947, in Lihu‘e, and peacefully passed away on March 19, 2021, in Wareham, Massachusetts.
She was preceded in death by parents Harold and Ruth Kihara, sisters Ellen Roth, Linda Davis and Sharon Kihara, and daughter-in-law Kerrianne Rapozo.
She is survived by beloved son Titus Keoki Rapozo, grandchildren, Brandi Dilwith, Leilani Brown, Malia, Elias and Kai Rapozo, sisters Mildred Kihara, Patsy Hamada and Naomi Navarro, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard Hiroshi Kuboyama
Richard Hiroshi Kuboyama, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on March 9, 2021, at the age of 92.
Born in Wahiawa, he served in the U.S. Army and was a retired electrical contractor. He played many musical instruments, but especially loved playing the steel guitar with his band, the Hanapeppe Serenaders.
He was one of the founders of aikido in Hawai‘i. One year after the tohei sensei, chief instructor of aikido, came to Hawai‘i in 1953, Kuboyama began training in aikido. He continued his aikido training in Hanapepe and became the head instructor of Hanapepe dojo. In 1997 he became the chief instructor of Kaua‘i. He continued training and traveling to Japan, and helped establish the Hawai‘i Ki Federation. In 2013 he was awarded the rank of seventh dan.
He was preceded in death by wife Mabel Kuboyama, and parents Chiyoki and Yataro Kuboyama.
He is survived by son Floyd (Jan) Kuboyama of Washington, daughters Molly (Sherman) Shiraishi of Lihu‘e and Patti (Marvin) Rabago of ‘Ele‘ele, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held.
The family respectfully requests no koden (monetary gifts).
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Demetrio ‘Don’ Aquino
Demetrio “Don” Aquino passed away on Feb. 10, 2021, at the age of 87, in Las Vegas.
He was born on Oct. 14, 1933, in Koloa, and was veteran with the U.S. Navy.
He was preceded in death by wife Phyllis Aquino, son Alvin Aquino, daughter Tammy Aquino, parents Mariano “Quirino” and Clara Aquino, siblings Ben, Wen “Winky,” Elpidio “Pat,” Rudy Trinidad Pagador, Fely Begonia and Kathly Lavilla.
He is survived by daughter-in-Law Doreen Aquino of Lawa‘i, grandchild Noa Aquino, brother Dennis (Anita) of Lihu‘e, sisters Mercy (David) Remata of Makaweli, Nadia (Pablo) Sarmiento of Koloa and Dinah (Wally) Tavares of Kalaheo, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A walk-thru visitation is Friday, April 2, at Garden Island Mortuary, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow. The family suggests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements
Isao Sugibayashi
Isao Sugibayashi passed away on Feb. 3, 2021, at the age of 98, in Lihu‘e. He was born on Nov. 3, 1922, in Lihu‘e.
He was a veteran with the U.S. Army and a retired postal clerk at the Lihu‘e post office.
He was preceded in death by parents Chotaro and Haru Sugibayashi, brothers Chojiro Sugibayashi, Kichiji Sugibayashi, Hiroshi Sugibayashi and Yoshizo Sugbayashi, and sisters Kimi Oliva, Kazue Horikawa and Mine Tamura.
He survived by wife Hazel Sugibayashi of Lihu‘e, sons Ross (Irene) Sugibayashi of ‘Aiea, Lee Sugibayashi of Lihu‘e, daughter Rona (Victor Sasaki) Miura of Lihu‘e, and grandchildren Kylee Sugibayashi and Ryoka Sasaki.
A walk-thru visitation is Saturday, April 3, at Garden Island Mortuary, from 3 to 4 p.m., with a celebration of life to follow.
The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.
Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
