Linda Ku‘ualoha Akana Sproat
Linda Ku‘ualoha Akana was born in Waimea on March 16, 1940 to William J. “Boy” Akana of Kalihiwai, and Frances C. Akana of Waimea. She spent her early years in Kalihiwai, fishing and farming with her ‘ohana, until she moved to O‘ahu to board at the Kamehameha Schools. She earned her teaching degree at Cal State Northridge before moving back to O`ahu where she connected with her loving husband David. Linda and David were married in 1968 and returned home to Kalihiwai permanently in 1970.
Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmothers, Linda was a career school teacher at Kilauea Elementary, where she is remembered by generations for welcoming them to Kindergarten. Linda’s passion was helping young people to read, and inspiring them to be inquisitive, creative, and self-directed lifelong learners. Linda was well-loved by a myriad of Kilauea School administrators and alumni, and was a favorite teacher for many.
Linda was a fixture on the North Shore and an outspoken advocate for Native Hawaiians and preserving the quality of life in local communities, especially in the face of increasing development. She was a brilliant organizer and strategist, testifying at community or other board meetings even when it was politically unpopular. Kaua‘i’s North Shore would look very different today without her tireless efforts. Linda helped to found and/or was deeply engaged with a multitude of organizations, including the Kilauea Community Outreach Program, Kilauea Neighborhood Association, Na Ala Hele, and Waipa Foundation. While leading, she always invested in and co-powered the next generation of kupa and kia‘i.
Linda was also active in her church community, and was the last living founding member of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea. She represented her church at the state, national, and international levels and was especially active with the Anglican Indigenous Peoples’ Committee.
Linda passed to the realm of her ancestors on Jan. 6, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother John F. “Johnny” Akana.
She is survived by her loving husband David Keola Sproat, her daughters Stacy M. Sproat, D. Kapua‘ala Sproat (Kala Hoe), and Nanea N. Sproat-Armitage (Nelson Armitage Jr.), and grandchildren Mahie and Melela‘i Beck, Olamaunapuaokalahui and Uluponoikamakanikewaiakekiliua Sproat-Hoe, and Ka‘onohi, Keaolewa, and Keawa‘ihi Armitage. She also cultivated a large extended ‘ohana.
A celebration of her life and work will be held at Christ Memorial Church in Kilauea on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Visitation is from 9 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and a celebration to follow at 3049 Kaohe Road in Kalihiwai. Mahalo piha to Linda’s extended ‘ohana, friends, caregivers, and Kaua‘i Hospice.
Linda Sproat is fondly remembered as always positive and ready to help, full of aloha, and a bright light. She was a loving and inspiring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and is deeply missed by many. ‘O ka mana‘o i‘o, ka mana‘o lana, a me ke aloha ka i ‘oi a‘e.
Sonya Hyunju Kobayashi
Sonya Hyunju Kobayashi, 65, passed away on Jan. 27, 2025, at her home in Lihue with family and close friends by her side. She was born on May 5, 1958, in South Korea and moved to Hawaii in her 20s. She was a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a generous friend.
She was a cook in her occupation and in life. Cooking was one of the many ways she showed her love to her family and friends. She last worked as a supervisor at Genki Sushi. In 2019, she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the battle with courage and strength.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce Kobayashi, mother Park Bokguen, and father Kim Jangsik.
She is survived by her brother Kim Hanjo of South Korea, son David Kobayashi of Lihue, and daughter Lisa Kauwale of Honolulu.
Private services will be held at Lihue Christian Church.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Juanita Arcangel Mamaclay
Juanita Arcangel Mamaclay, 99, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Kekaha, Kauai, passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2025, at Mustang Creek Estates, an assisted living-memory care community in Burleson, Texas. She was born on Aug. 21, 1926, in Lallo, Cagayan, Philippines.
She was a passionate homemaker and seamstress.
She was preceded in death by husband Bernardo Claro Mamaclay, parents Eugenio and Dominga Sabas Arcangel, sisters Ofrina Perciano and Teodota Pastoral.
She is survived by children Raymond (Jan) Mamaclay, Janet (Charles) Moder, Bryan (Lita) Mamaclay, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews living abroad.
Private services are planned. Interment at Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe, Kauai.
Muriel Perreira
Muriel Perreira, aged 86, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2025. She was born on Kauai, April 4, 1938, to Helen and Frank Perreira.
She loved family, friends, gardening, pets and was a proud Air Force Veteran. Muriel dedicated her time and energies to projects with the Catholic Church often working with various charities to help others in need.
She was preceded in death by her father Frank, mother Helen, brothers Joseph and Frank and her daughter Kandra.
She is survived by her sister Diane, brother Bernard, son Errol, daughters Starla and Kimberly, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and her dog Jameson.
Services to be announced at a future date.
