Karen Emiko Alapa‘i
Karen Emiko Alapa‘i, 63, of Kapa‘a, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2022, on O‘ahu. She was born on Aug. 14, 1958, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital to Michiko Patsy Higashi and Harry Y. Higashi Sr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lynn H. Ajimura-Lee, brothers Harry Y. Higashi, Boyd S. Higashi, and son Kela Alapa‘i.
She is survived by her loving husband Lambert Alapai, whom she was married to for 36 years. She is also survived by daughter Jackie Alapa‘i, son Kambie Alapa‘i, sisters Gail Chun and Amanda Higashi, brother Buddy Higashi, and grandchildren Kana‘i Oliver, Kyler Tom, Keawe and Zaiana Alapa‘i-Pimental.
She dedicated her life to government service in her capacity as secretary at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital in Kapa‘a, where she served for 38 years. She loved her job and was very well-known amongst her colleagues and the residents.
In her free time, she organized softball tournaments and was often seen in the dugouts as the team’s official scorekeeper. She was affectionately known and loved dearly in our ‘ohana as “The Matriarch” of the baseball park, and most of the players referred to her as “Ma.”
Off the field, she was especially famous for her exquisite desserts. After the games, at the pau-hana get-togethers and at all the family parties, everyone waited anxiously to enjoy her unique delicacies, like cheesecakes, mochi and other favorites. She was the best baker ever.
An open viewing service is Thursday, June 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Garden Island Mortuary.
A celebration of life gathering is Sunday, July 3, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Anahola Clubhouse.
Allen H. Nitta
Allen H. Nitta passed away on June 18, 2022, in Kekaha, at the age of 87. He was born on Aug. 18, 1934, in Waimea. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and was a transportation clerk at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands.
He was preceded in death by parents Tseneo (Nick) and Mary Nitta and sister St. Tereselle (Ku‘ulei).
He is survived by wife Natalie Nitta of Kekaha, son Allen Moki Nitta of Kekaha, daughter Mary Jane Suguitan (Squeaky) of Arizona, grandchildren Dustin, Joshua and Austin Suguitan of Arizona, Izaia Nitta of Kekaha, great-grandchildren Sloan and Storey Suguitan of Arizona, brothers Kenneth (Thelma) Nitta of O‘ahu, Roland Nitta of Texas, Mitchel (Nevis) Nitta of Texas and Wilson (Ruth) Nitta of Kekaha, sister Lily Sakamoto of O‘ahu, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, July 2, at Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation 9 to 10 a.m., followed by service. The family suggests casual attire, requests that flowers be omitted, and that face masks be worn.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stella Tsuruyo Nakamasu Miyoshi
Stella Tsuruyo Nakamasu Miyoshi, 90, of Kapa‘a, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Jan. 27, 2021. She was born on Dec. 30, 1930, in Lihu‘e. She was a sales clerk at Kojima’s, Yasuda’s, Happy Kauaian and S&S Business Services.
She was preceded in death by parents Takejiro and Thelma Nakamasu, husband Charles Miyoshi, grandson Preston Ikehara-Yasay, great-grandson Alden Fujise, brother Ernest Nakamasu and sister Florence Wakuta.
She is survived by son Bryan Ikehara of Pearl City, O‘ahu, daughters Linden (Derek) Fujise of Kane‘ohe, O‘ahu, Gwen (Gideon) Ikehara-Yasay of Kapa‘a, Diane (Reggie) Basuel of Kapa‘a, grandchildren Renee (Jared) Mendoza of Pearl City, O‘ahu, Aaron (Judy) Fujise of Seattle, Ariel (Young) Fujise of Honolulu, Kelson Yasay of Kapa‘a, Kyle Basuel of Kapa‘a and Reid Kawamoto of Kapa‘a, great-grandchildren Malachi, Manoah and Micaiah Mendoza of Pearl City, O‘ahu, brothers Roy (June) Nakamasu of Kalihi, O‘ahu and Dennis (Bernie) Nakamasu of Honolulu, sister Donna (Douglas) Kozai of Las Vegas, Francis (Walter) Ishikawa (deceased), Nancy (Andy) Talbo (deceased), Craig Miyoshi (deceased), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center Saturday, July 9, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. and service at 3 p.m. The family requests casual attire. Due to COVID-19, face masks are required.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Byron Pohukaina Perreira
Byron Pohukaina Perreira, of Kekaha passed away on May 23, 2022, at the age of 45. He was born on Sept. 22, 1976. He was a leadman carpenter for Olsen Homes Construction.
He was preceded in death by mother Aleta Blackstad Fu, maternal grandparents Alec “Sonny” Blackstad, Agnes “Billie” Blackstad and paternal grandfather George Perreira Sr.
He is survived by son Zaiyen Matsusaka-Perreira, daughters Zayna Matsusaka-Perreira and Zaylin Matsusaka-Perreira, father George (Charmaine Wong) Perreira Jr., fiancée Shawna Balocan and her sons Kainoa Simao and Naikoa Simao, sister Malia (Doug) Freitas, brother Brian (Enjoli) Perreira, paternal grandmother Hilda Perreira, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service was held at Kekaha Gardens Park.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
