Benjamin ‘Ben’ Naka‘ahiki Jr.
Benjamin “Ben” Naka‘ahiki Jr. passed away at the age of 68 on May 21, 2025, at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. Born on March 8, 1957, in Waimea, Kauai, he was a treasured and talented musician and entertainer with Henry Taeza and his Polynesian group, as well as with Aunty Kapu Kinimaka and Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani.
He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Naka‘ahiki Sr., Esther Kaowiloa Naka‘ahiki, brothers Marvin Naka‘ahiki, Garrick Naka‘ahiki, sister Charlene Yamamoto, brothers-in-law Kevin Iwai and Dexter Yamamoto.
He is survived by his brothers Thomas (Alice) Baptista of Waimea, Brenn (Eileen) Naka‘ahiki of Kekaha, Joseph (Nani) Naka‘ahiki of Kekaha, and Clyson (Hokulea) Naka‘ahiki of Kekaha, sisters Benjinette Iwai of Waimea, Marvaleen (Burt) Vidinha of Kekaha, Trudilynn (Lee) Contrades of Kekaha, Elena (Todd) Yamase of Eleele, sister-in-law Oriente Naka‘ahiki, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuarv Ltd.
Nina Lorrie Tasaka
Nina Lorrie Tasaka, 63, of Kapaa, passed away on May 16, 2025, in Lihue. She was born on July 28, 1961, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Tasaka and mother Florence Tasaka.
She is survived by her daughter Karlina Tasaka, sisters Sheri (Das) Baker, Donna (Wayne) Moore, hanai sisters Penny Fernandes, Julie (Darryl) Chong, grandchildren Kaylin Espada-Tasaka, Kaleomana Tasaka, Roselynn Rapozo, Christoper Rapozo, Micah Rapozo, great- grandchild Rose Tasaka, numerous nieces, nephews, Tasaka cousins, friends and hanai family.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kapaa Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Visitation with the family will start at 1:30 p.m. followed by services at 2 p.m.
The family suggests casual or aloha attire and kindly requests that flowers be omitted.
Richard Poncio Bayot
Richard Poncio Bayot, of Kekaha, passed away on May 15, 2025, at Straub Benioff Hospital on Oahu at the age of 65. He was born on Nov. 22, 1959, in Waimea. He was a retired electronic technician at Pacific Missile Range Facility.
He was preceded in death by his father Poncio Bayot, brother Eugene Keo Bayot, paternal grandparents Feliciano and Eugenia Bayot and maternal grandparents Vidal and Takeyo Badua.
He is survived by his wife Elsie Malabe Bayot, sons Darrick Bayot (Sheryl), Rilen Bayot (Shy), stepsons Norman T. Vea Jr. (Macey Parongao), Aaron Kai Vea (Christine), stepdaughter Nikki Corona (Cy), grandchildren Elijah and Jaelah Bayot, Duke and Riley Bayot, Kaimalie and Nanea Parongao Vea, Asher Vea, Mateo and Dax Corona, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 8640 Kiowea Road in Kekaha. Visitation with the family from 8:30 to 10 a.m., followed by the celebration of life. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Nu‘uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary and Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
