Dean R. Agcaoili
Dean R. Agcaoili, of Mililani, Hawaii, age 57, passed away at home with family on April 2, 2025. He was born in Lihue, Kauai. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and an architect.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Agcaoili, stepson Lomana Ortiz of the Netherlands, sister Florence (Patrick) Travis of Kauai, nephews Jadon (Malya) Travis of Langley, B.C., Canada and Mason Travis of Kauai, and niece Joy (James) Olivera of Miami, Florida.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Mililani Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Kingdom Hall A), 239 Palii St., Mililani. Visitation is at 4 p.m., followed by services at 5 p.m.
Yukie K. Murakami
Yukie K. Murakami, of Hanapepe, Kauai, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 22, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on March 16, 1924, in Port Allen, Kauai, she was a founding member of both N.F. Kawakami Store, Ltd. and Big Save, Inc., serving in key leadership and financial roles throughout her life.
Yukie was known to be an excellent cook. She also enjoyed patchwork quilting, ikebana flower arranging, sewing, and making clothes. She and her late husband Tsuka spent many years traveling the world, visiting dozens of countries in their time together. Her generous hospitality and ability to treat everyone with grace were felt by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Tsukasa Murakami, brothers Norito (Clorinda) Kawakami, Keiji (Edith) Kawakami, Toru (May) Kawakami, Norman Hashisaka, and Daniel (Mitsuko) Kawakami.
She is survived by her daughters Aimee (Gerald) Ida, Judith Murakami (Ken Fukushima) both of Kauai, two granddaughters Kelsi Ida (Ryen Shimizu), Donica Ida (Riley Hoonan) both of Seattle, one great-grandson Ryder Shimizu of Seattle, younger sister Mabel Hashisaka, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended ohana.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hanapepe Hongwanji. Service and lunch to follow. Burial will begin at 1 p.m. at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery.
Laverne R. Bukoski
Laverne R. Bukoski, 75, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lihue, Kauai, on March 18, 1949.
Laverne leaves behind her devoted husband of 56 years, Nolan Bukoski, her son Joel (Tracy) Bukoski, granddaughters Caitlyn N. Bukoski and Kierstyn A. Bukoski, as well as numerous cherished family members and many dear friends.
During her long career within the state’s library system, she touched countless hearts. Her passion for reading and learning was extraordinary. She approached life with an open heart, offering unconditional love and bringing joy, laughter, and knowledge to all who knew her. Her true wealth was the love she shared so freely.
She was the embodiment of motherhood, love, friendship, compassion, strength, and resilience. Her love, strength, smile, and compassion leave a lasting legacy.
The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the dedicated care team at KVMH LTC. The consistently attentive care that your staff provided brought precious comfort and dignity to Laverne. We also extend our sincere thanks to Bruce at Garden Island Mortuary for his guidance and compassion.
Kenneth K. Casil Jr.
Kenneth Kealoha Casil Jr., 52, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, passed away on Oct. 16, 2024, at The Queen’s Medical Center, West Oahu. He was born on Feb. 1, 1972, in Kealakekua, Hawaii.
He was an entertainer and worked for American Fence Co. and Allied Fence Co., which led him to eventually start his own business, Pa’ahana Fencing.
He is predeceased by wife Rogelyn Rita Casil, father Kenneth K. Casil, grandparents Daniel and Lucy Kailiwai, Leonardo and Rebecca Casil, Frank and Agnes Medeiros, and in-laws Roger and Geneviva Ramos.
He is survived by daughter Kenna-Seanne K. Casil, sons Kenson K. Casil, Kenneth K. Casil III, mother MaryLou (Frank R.) Medeiros, brothers Todd (Robin) Medeiros, Scott Medeiros, Patrick Medeiros, sisters Kristy (Shane) Kahananui, Tasha Casil Yandall, Apelila Casil Yandall, Tehani Casil Kahakua, Te Mana Casil Duh, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended Ohana.
On Oahu, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Church in Ewa, with visitation starting at 10 a.m.
On Kauai, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Smith’s Tropical Paradise, with visitation also starting at 10 a.m.
Genero Benjamin ‘Gene’ Padilla
April 12, 1950 — April 13, 2025
Gene Padilla, of Lawa‘i, Kaua‘i, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, at the age of 75. Born in Waimea and raised in Kaumakani, he was a proud graduate of Waimea High School, Class of 1968.
In 1970, Gene began his long career with the Sheraton Kaua‘i, where he worked with dedication until his retirement in 2015. Known across the island as a referee and umpire, Gene gave his time and heart to the games — and the young athletes — he helped guide over the years.
On May 18, 1974, he married the love of his life, Margaret Padilla, and together they shared 50 years of marriage filled with family, travel, and laughter.
A world traveler who found joy in new places, Gene’s heart always belonged to Kaua‘i. Though he traveled far and wide, no place ever compared to home.
Gene caught lobster well into his 70s — most times going out on his own — steady, quiet, and at peace with the ocean. He found comfort in the simple moments: sitting outside the house, reading his Kindle, and enjoying the island breeze. He also had a deep love for gardening, always tending to his plants, turning his yard into a quiet, blooming sanctuary.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Margi” Padilla of Lawa‘i, son Kendrick (Annie) Padilla of O‘ahu, siblings Angie (Burt) Rapanot, Virginia (Joel) Maimon, James Padilla, and Donna Padilla, Paul (Joanne) Ganaden, his cousin and trusted lifelong brother in heart, grandchildren Angelica Durante and Evangelyn (Matt) Jacobson, great-grandchildren Eleena Jacobson and Sebastian Jacobson. He also leaves behind numerous extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
A service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service. Website: gimortuary.com
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Wilcox Hospital and Kaua‘i Hospice for their exceptional care and support during this time.
Esmenia Balderas
Esmenia Balderas, 101, of Waimea, passed away at Kauai Care Center on April 17, 2025. She was born in Abra, Philippines, on Jan. 1,1924, and was a baker at Tip Top Cafe in Lihue.
Preceded in death by her loving husband Mariano Balderas, parents Severo Bobiles and Maria Bobiles, sister Leonora Sapinoso, brothers Constantino Bobiles, Angel Bobiles and Johnny Bobiles.
She is survived by her children Barbara (Jim) Daligcon, Ernest (Lynette) Balderas, grandchildren Marisa (Chuck) Gaalema, Sean (Suzannah) Daligcon, Del (Shelly) Balderas, great-grandchildren Jaden and Alana Gaalema, Kaleb, Caris and Noa Daligcon, and Carter Balderas.
A celebration of life will be held at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. with services to follow at 10 a.m. A reception to follow at the Holy Cross Church Social Hall. Burial will take place at Kauai Memorial Gardens after the reception.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
