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Obituaries

Takuji Sarashina, 97

Mr. Sarashina, known familiarly as “Tommy”, was born in Lahaina, Maui to Rev. Shinri Sarashina (Lahaina Hongwanji) and wife, Toshiko. The family included 5 children, who spent their early years in Lahaina and on Oahu. In 1936, while Rev. Sarashina remained on Oahu, the family moved to Hiroshima, Japan. Tommy’s biography is well-chronicled in a book, Tommy’s Wars – Paradise to Hell and Back, written by a friend, Howard Fields. The book gives a detailed account of Tommy’s capture (1945), along with fellow Japanese army soldiers, and imprisonment in Siberia. The prisoners ...

Alvin A. Fernandez, 89

Alvin Adam Fernandez, of Wailuku, Maui passed away on February 24, 2023 at Hospice Maui Hale in Wailuku. He was born to Adam and Katherine Fernandez on April 2, 1933 in Puunene, Maui. He worked for the Sugar Mill as a Truck Driver hauling sugar across warehouse to warehouse. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 8:00am to 9:30am at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului; prayer service to begin at 9:30am. He will be laid to rest at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao at 11:00am. Alvin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Ethel Morreira Fernandez; children, ...

Joe-John Kahaleuahi, 58

Joe-John “Haboy” Kahaleuahi was born on August 7, 1964 in Hana to Eunice Park and Joseph “Sonny” Kahaleuahi, Jr. He was raised in Niumalu, Haneo’o, Koali, and Kipahulu with his four siblings: Kathy-Ann, Gabriel, Nancy, and Jason. He then grew up to become a paniolo, surfer, all-around waterman, and provider. For over 10 years, he was a proud beach boy at Hamoa Beach, and raised his children, Lipoa, Tevi, Hau‘oli, in the waters there. On February 23, 2023, Haboy passed in his home. He is survived by his mother, three of his siblings, his children, his grandson Mokae, and ...

Mikazu Shimomura, 92

Mikazu ‘Mabel’ Shimomura of Lahaina, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2023. Mikazu was born in Kurtistown, Hawaii Island, on April 9, 1930. After moving to Maui, she held various jobs, but was best known for her time at Crafts Drug Store and as the ‘card lady’ at Longs Drugs. Mikazu was predeceased by her husband, Kenji Shimomura. She is survived by daughters, Ivy Huerter and Avis (Forest) Cutright; granddaughters, Samantha (Greg) Potter, Kristie Cutright and Caitlin Huerter; great grandchildren, Shayzen, Elizabeth, Richard, Julianne and Shaxson. The family would ...

George Rokuro Takeuchi, 90

George Rokuro Takeuchi, of Lahaina; passed away peacefully on February 15th, 2023, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born on July 6th, 1932. George was the manager of Lahaina Fashion Center, a family-run business in Lahaina, Maui. He is predeceased by his loving parents Taketaro and Sumi Takeuchi; sister Jean Keanini; and brother Stanley Takeuchi. He is survived by sister; Lily Takeuchi; niece Doris Hilbmann (William); nephew Wayne Keanini (Wendy); grand nephews Jason Takeuchi, Jason Romero, and Spencer Keanini. A private service was held. Donations in George’s memory ...

Akira Watanabe, 95

Akira Watanabe of Kahului, passed away on January 24, 2023, at Island Hospice Maui. He is survived by his wife, Kiyoko Arlene Watanabe, his sisters Sumiko Jane Fukunaga, Etsuo Harriet Takeuchi, numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces, and great-grand-nephews. Private services were held. The family requests no koden or flowers. The family would like to thank the staff at Hale Makua and Island Hospice for the loving care shown to Akira while he was there. Online condolences may be made at: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com