Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
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Steven Mahelona Jr.
Steven “Baba” Keliilani Mahelona Jr., 40, of Kailua-Kona, died May 17, 2022 at his residence. Born Feb. 28, 1982, in Honolulu, he was a pipe fitting contractor and owner of Fire Protection, Hawaii, LLC, and a past member of Tui Tonga Canoe Club.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at West Hawaii Community Center/Laiopua 2022 lanai. Scattering of his ashes will be at 8 a.m. Sept. 5 at Honokohau Harbor.
He is survived by wife, Caitlan Mahelona; daughters, Aurelia Mahelona, Ruby Mahelona, and Olivia Mahelona; parents, Steven and Laurie Mahelona Sr., all of Kailua-Kona; brothers, Ryan Mahelona of Arizona and Samuel Mahelona of California; sister, Stephanie (Kyle) Araki and Brittney Mahelona, all of Kailua-Kona; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Lisiate Apina
Lisiate “Richard” Kaufusi Apina, 64, of Kailua-Kona, died July 25, 2022 at his residence. Born Jan. 19, 1958, in Nukunuku, Tongatapu, Tonga, he was an electrician for Lindo Electric and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Visitation will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 3 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kealakekua/Keei Ward; funeral service begins at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Kona Memorial Park in Holualoa. The family requests casual attire.
He is survived by wife, Beverly Apina; daughter, Nanea Mangauil; sons, Christopher Apina and Seichi Apina, all of Kailua-Kona; brothers, Paea (Pele) Apina, Ului (Siosi) Apina, all of Mesa, Ariz., and Salesi (Angie) Apina of Kailua-Kona; sisters, Sela (Ahofono) Aholelei of Kailua-Kona, Moli (Maea) Mafi of San Francisco, Lute (Tauga) Lelenoa of Sydney, Australia and Ana (Losipini) Tafisi of Ocean View; one granddaughter; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Lester Brandt
Lester Charles Brandt, 91, of Glenwood died Aug. 5, 2022, at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was a counterintelligence agent and veteran of the U.S. Army in Korea, Japan and the Pentagon, Hawaiian activist in the 1980s, and a National Guard veteran.
A graveside service will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 23, 2022) at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 Pavilion. Casual attire.
He is survived by wife, Gwendolyn Brandt; son, Steven (Chris) Brandt; daughter, Debora (Leif) Brandt; step-children, Corrinne Mayer, Kurt Mayer, Lisa Mayer, and Elonwy Childress; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous hanai children.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.