Jennie T. Yukimura
Jennie Tomoe Yukimura, 97, of Lihu‘e, passed away on March 6, 2022.
Born on May 24, 1924, in Mo‘ili‘ili, Honolulu, O‘ahu, she graduated from McKinley High School, where she and her classmates, including future leaders like Dan Inouye and Fujio Matsuda, learned the values of civic and social responsibility that defined their generation.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawai‘i in 1946 and her fifth-year certificate from the UH School of Social Work in 1947. In 1948 she married Jiro Yukimura, and they moved to Jiro‘s home island of Kaua‘i.
While raising five children, she worked as a member of the state Department of Health‘s Mental Health Children’s Team. She also served on the boards of Child & Family Service and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, and was part of the delegation from Hawai‘i to a White House Conference on Children and Youth.
Active in the community, she was a member of the League of Women Voters, the AARP, Hawaii Governoment Employees Association and the Democratic Party. With Jiro, she was a member of the Y‘s Men Club, an auxiliary to the YMCA. She was also a devoted member of Lihu‘e Christian Church. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society‘s Reach to Recovery program, and as a neighborhood justice mediator with KEO.
She was known by family and friends for her generosity of spirit, her thoughtfulness and concern for others and her courageous social conscience.
She was preceded in death by parents Takayo and Tomoichi Yoshioka, husband Jiro, sister Yoshie Yoshioka and brother Kenneth Yoshioka.
She leaves behind sisters Harriet Tojo and Betty Morimoto and brother Thomas Yoshioka, children JoAnn (John Wehrheim) Yukimura, John (Hinda Lefkowitz) Yukimura, Miles Yukimura, Kathy (Mark) Fertello and David Yukimura, grandchildren Maile Walters, Rachel Yukimura, Jesse Yukimura, David Fertello, Kara Fertello, Seanne Kanani Richards, Audrey Yukimura and Elise Yukimura, great-grandchild Ualani Walters and godson Kai Hovland.
A celebration of her life is Saturday, May 21, at the Lihu‘e Christian Church, 2943 Kress St., with visitation from 10 a.m. Services will begin at 11 a.m. followed by an “open mic.” Wearing of masks and social distancing will be practiced to keep everyone safe.
To attend the service online, email JenniesCelebration1@gmail.com. A link will be sent prior to the service.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tina Porquis Parongao
Tina Porquis Parongao passed away on April 22, 2021, at the age of 90, at her residence in Kalaheo, surrounded by love. She was born on Jan. 3, 1931, in Ka‘u, Hawai‘i.
She joined her beloved grandma Fermina Lasponias, brothers Crispin Porquis, Felix Porquis, Lance Yacadin and Cezar Fernandez, sister Rosita Newman, parents Pacifico Porquis and Anita Lasponias and son-in-law Leonard (Lee) Bagano.
She is survived by husband John Parongao of Kalaheo, sons John (Cindy) Parongao Jr. of Nevada, Reuben Parongao of Kalaheo and Anthony Parongao of Kapa‘a, daughters Deborah Bagano of Kalaheo, Joan (Bobby) Bareng of Utah, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sisters Frances Johnson of Florida, Arlene Christensen of Colorado and Emily Joy Porquis of Philippines, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services are Saturday, May 21, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, with visitation from 9 to 9:50 a.m., eulogy from 9:50 to 10 a.m. and with Mass at 10 a.m. Brunch will follow at Wong’s Restaurant in Hanapepe.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jack Norio Gushiken
Jack Norio Gushiken, 82, of Kilauea, passed away on March 18, 2022 at Queen’s Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by parents Tokumatsu and Kikue Gushiken and youngest brother, Spencer Gushiken.
He is survived by wife Sharon Gushiken, daughter Lynne Gushiken, sons Clyne (Eva) Gushiken and Lee Gushiken, grandchildren Kevin (Michi) Gushiken, Jennifer Gushiken and Andjela Gushiken, great-grandchildren Jayden Gushiken and Kiani Gushiken, brothers Alan Gushiken, Ralph (Jill) Gushiken and Leslie (Donna) Gushiken, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He belonged to the land and the sea. Most knew him for his work in and around Kilauea, his hometown. For 50 years he worked for C. Brewer (and its subsidiaries) and was one of their longest-tenured employees. As an irrigation specialist he worked at Kilauea Sugar Plantation and Olokele Sugar Company. He also shared his expertise overseas doing work assignments in Al Amarah, Iraq and Shush, Iran.
After returning from Iran, he spent 28 years at Kilauea Agronomics. He spent several years overseeing an aquaculture operation to raise freshwater prawns. But, more significantly, he helped design and oversee the 500-acre guava orchard known as the Guava Kai Plantation. In addition to supplying puree to companies such as Ocean Spray, Tree Top, Minute Maid, Meadow Gold and Motts, Guava Kai became a tourist attraction with an on-site gift store featuring guava products and guava-related merchandise. Visitors to the store could even watch a looping video that featured Jack describing various aspects of guava production.
On his own time, Jack started to work on a new guava variety. After much experimental grafting, hundreds of seedlings and lots of patience, he created and patented the Gushiken Sweet guava (HPSI 26). As the name implies, this variety is naturally sweet, and features high nutrient values.
After C. Brewer ceased operations, he worked at Wai Koa Plantation and Common Ground and did consulting work with regards to property and irrigation landmarks around Kilauea. He officially retired in September 2021.
But his connection to the sea cannot be overlooked. Jack was an avid fisherman and at one point held 20 fishing world records. Four of his world records were obtained during a single fishing trip to Alaska in August 2008, including a 30-inch Dolly Varden trout. When he wasn’t fishing, he enjoyed driving around town in his red truck, often with his dog Bella by his side. Friends and family enjoyed his storytelling and his wry sense of humor. He clearly took great pride in his hometown of Kilauea, not just for its history, but also for its bright future.
Family and friends may gather at Anaina Hou Community Park’s Porter Pavilion, 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy., Kilauea) on Saturday, June 4, starting at 1 pm. Services will begin at 2 p.m. with visitation and fellowship to follow.
Bok Soon ‘B’ Kalaiwaa
Bok Soon “B” Kalaiwa‘a, of Anahola, passed away on April 28, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born on Feb. 3, 1932, in Amau‘ulu, Hawai‘i.
She is survived by her husband George Puu Kalaiwa‘a, children Nadine N. (Steve Milter) Kalaiwa‘a, George E.”Keoki” Kalaiwa‘a, Dereck A. (Norine) Kalaiwa‘a, Andrew L. “AJ” Kalaiwa‘a, and Francis K. (Kimberlee) Kalaiwa‘a, grandchildren Lindsey K. Kalaiwa‘a, Allyn N. Kalaiwa‘a, Lawson N. Kalaiwa‘a, Luke A. Kalaiwa‘a and Logan M. Kalaiwa‘a.
Her celebration of life is Saturday, May 28, at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Kilauea. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Masks are required.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Amparo J. Abalos
Amparo J. Abalos, of Makaweli, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, on April 4, 2022, at Kaua‘i Care Center in Waimea. She was born on Feb. 8, 1937.
She was preceded in death by husband Dominado “Domingo” S. Abalas Sr., son Anson A. Abalos, mother Bisitasion “Bessie” Largo, father Emigdio T. Jamero, brothers Rudolph “Rudy” Largo and Gary Largo, and sisters Judy Hanohano, Dolly Babayan and Geraldine “Geri” Kawamura.
She is survived by sons George (Karleen) Abalos and Dominador “Domi” (Marlyn) Abalos Jr., daughter Allison (Bradley) Hiranaka, brothers Emigdio “Joe” (Ivy) Jamero, James (Rosaline) Largo, Christopher (Rose) Largo and Leslie (Corrine) Largo, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service is Friday, May 20, at Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. with a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
