Brenda Lee Durant
Brenda Lee Durant, of Hanama‘ulu, passed away on June 1, 2023, at the age of 75, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on Feb. 13, 1948. She was a beloved Mother, GrandmaMa and Kaua‘i’s “Laulau Lady.”
She was preceded in death by parents Alfred Medeiros, Lillian Santos Perreira and John Perreira, sisters Louise Medeiros and Mary Kealoha and great-granddaughter Lily Durant.
She is survived by husband Butch Durant, sons Roland (Kristy) Durant and Robert Durant, daughters Renie (Darren) Judd, Kanani (Jack Flores) Durant and Kahea Durant, grandchildren Kalae, Kehau, Moani, Kaulana, Wailana, Kalawaia, Kaliloa, Kekauakoa, Jacey, Nohiu, Puahi, Kilo and Heleonahe, nine great-grandchildren, brothers Alfred (Helena) Medeiros, Wayne (Shirley) Medeiros and John Perreira Jr., sisters Elaine Kealoha, Eleanor Haumea, Clara Leasau, Donna Medeiros and Lillian “Cookie” Thomas, aunty Evelyn Cabral, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, June 10, at her home in Kapaia Valley, located at 4337 Kapaia Road, Lihu‘e, at 12:00 noon. The family requests casual attire and welcomes lei and flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eric Lynn Teruo Kajiwara
Eric Lynn Teruo Kajiwara, of Waimea, passed away on May 28, 2023, at the age of 69, in Waimea. He was born on Sept. 15, 1953, in Waimea. He was a primary troubleshooter.
He was preceded in death by parents Teruo and Ruth Kano Kajiwara.
He is survived by wife Jaedene Waiala Tremaine Kajiwara, son Jaime “Baba” (Lynete) Kajiwara of Maryland, daughters Taina (Ivan) Ruiz of Waimea and Taira “Banana” Kajiwara of Kaua‘i, grandchildren Waianuhea, Kawahinemaikalew, Tiare, Paliku, Arte Boy and Temoana, brother Calvin (Julie) Kajiwara of Kekaha, sister Lorene (Glen “Slack”) Odo of Waimea, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, June 24, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. with a celebration of life to follow.
The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Whitney George Kahanuoka‘aina Smith
Whitney George Kahanuoka‘aina “Kahanu” Smith passed away on April 17, 2023, at the age of 58. He was born on Dec. 16, 1964 at Wilcox Hospital in Lihu‘e, and grew up and worked in his family’s business along the Wailua River.
He was a talented musician, playing music on the boat tours and garden lu‘au, and he also shared his melodic voice on locally recorded albums with various composers and musicians. His love for the Hawaiian culture was evident by creating precious lei for friends and family; with his performing hula with his halau and friends; by representing the mo’i kane at the King Kamehameha celebrations, and with his helping to organize the annual Mokihana Festival on Kaua‘i. He was also an avid baker.
He is survived by parents Freckles and Mokihana Smith, brothers Kamika and Kaleo (Stacie), nephews Trey (Shaianne) and Tyler (Shannon) and niece Kira (Jared), grand-nephew Trayce and grand-niece Teiah Kahanu Smith. He was also hanai by the Wong, Poai and Aki families.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Walter and Emily Smith and George Montgomery Sr. and Tutu Lucy Kahanu and Sam Maikai.
A celebration of life is Sunday, June 11, Smith’s Tropical Paradise, with visitation with the ‘ohana at 9 a.m. followed by a remembrance service.
The family suggests casual attire, and gifts of lei are appreciated. The family also requests no koden (monetary gifts).
