Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. The content is subject to editing to ensure parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Paula Ann Kawaauhau
Paula Ann Lena (Iopa) Kawaauhau, 74, of Hilo passed away Nov. 8, 2017 at Hilo Medical Center. She was born in Keaukaha and worked for Avis Rental Car, retired from Hertz Rental Car, was a hula dancer, competitive swimmer, Merrie Monarch Festival Mo’i Wahine 1985, lei maker and orchid grower.
Friends may call 1-5 p.m. Dec. 16 at the AJA Veterans Hall in Hilo for a memorial gathering and celebration of life. Casual attire.
She is survived by her sons, Albert (Lisa) Rezentes of Pahoa, Glenn (Deejay) Rezentes of Keaau and Mark (Laura) Rezentes of Hilo; step-daughters, Ronda Kawaauhau of Oahu and Kehau Kawaauhau of Oahu; brother, Kenneth (Espi) Iopa of Hilo; sister, Maile (Louie) Zarko of Oahu; sister-in-law, Mabel Iopa of Hilo; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo.
Bernie Abella
Bernie “Ben” Coloma Abella 46, of Papa’aloa. Bernie passed away Nov. 19, 2017 in Hilo. Bernie was born Aug. 30, 1971 and was an adult correction officer at HCCC in Hilo.
Celebration of life will be on Saturday, Dec. 16 at St. Anthony’s Church at 35-2095 Old Mamalahoa Highway. Laupahoehoe, Hawaii 96764 or call 962-6538. Visitation is 8-10 a.m. with services at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at 1 p.m. at Alae Cemetery, 1033 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720.
Survived by wife Cherylann Abella; son Kamakani Abella; hanai son Karlin Abella-Kelsom; daughter Sharrise Hanabaga-Abella; father Bernaldo Abella; mother Modesta Coloma Abella; sister Josefina (Derek) Aurio; numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Yarrow Smith
Yarrow “Yaro” Smith, 64, of Pahoa, passed away peacefully on Nov. 25 at the Hilo Medical Center. Born in Massachusetts, he owned a construction and woodworking business, was a commercial fisherman, carpenter and worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean rides at Disneyland.
Services will be held in Pahoa on July 21, 2018.
Survived by, daughter, Yauni (Christopher L. Micheels) Marissa Rose Smith; grandchildren, Krishtin Kahekili Traviss Kuamo’o, Kelina Jade Smith; brothers, Jimmy (Janet) Smith, Rick (Alice) Smith, Greg (Wendy) Smith; sisters, Pamela (Randy) Baumann, Cathy Smith; numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Peggy Yoshioka
Mrs. Peggy Mitsuru Yoshioka, age 90, of Hilo, Hawaii, died Nov. 28, 2017, in the Hospice of Hilo Pohai Malama facility. She was born in Kurtistown, Hawaii on Oct. 30, 1927, and was a retired cook.
Private services held. No flowers. No Koden (monetary offerings). She is survived by son, Glenn K. Yoshioka of Kaneohe; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Akiko Kawamura
Mrs. Akiko Kawamura, age 79, of Waimea, Hawaii, died Dec. 6, 2017, at her residence in Waimea. She was born in Hakalau, Hawaii on Jan. 15, 1938 and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Kamuela Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
Visitation will be held at the Kamuela Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on Dec. 16 from 8-10:00 a.m.; memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Casual attire is requested. No flowers.
She is survived by husband, Ernest Kawamura of Waimea; sons, Kelly (Kalae) Kawamura of Waimea, Steven (Ally) Kawamura of Paauilo and Shelton (Tayna Carvalho) Kawamura of Waimea; daughters, Denice Tanaka of Kailua-Kona, Debra Kawamura of Kailua (Oahu) and Dana (Dan) Maekawa of Mililani; sister, Emiko “Emi” Uemura of Honolulu; brother, Edward (Sharon) Uemura of Pepeekeo; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc
