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. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
James Kato
James Hideo Kato, 96, of Hilo, died June 18, 2021, in Las Vegas. Born in Wailuku, Maui, he was retired vice principal and teacher for the state Department of Education, real estate agent for Yamanaka Realty, member of New Hope Hilo, Waiakea Lions Club, Waiakea Kyoei Kumiai, Hawaii Island Adult Care, Cielo Vista Senior Adult Care and a veteran of the U.S. Army 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. July 10 at New Hope Hilo for a 10 a.m. servuce. Casual attire.
He is survived by son, Kelvin Kato of Maui; brother, Richard Kato of Nevada; granddaughters, Krystal Yamamoto of Florida, and Kimberly Hara of Hilo; caregiver, Sonja Nakahara of Hilo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Juei-Hsing Castro
Juei-Hsing “Kathy” Castro, 74, of Pepeekeo, died June 19, 2021, at her residence. Born Feb. 28, 1947, in Taiwan, she was a homemaker.
No services. The family requests no koden (monetary donations) or flowers.
She is survived by daughters, Merlynette (Wayne) Takenaka of Mililani, Oahu, Sheila Ann Costa of Gretna, Louisiana, Genie Ann (Gerrick) Nagata of Hilo and Leandra Ann (Eric) Arruda of Mountain View; son, John (Lisa) Costa of Honolulu, Oahu; brother, Thir Chin (Joanna) Liu of Taiwan; sisters, Su Liu of Taiwan and Chi-Tzu Waldrop of Hilo; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Mildred Miyahara
Mildred Midori Miyahara, 91, of Hilo, died June 21, 2021, at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born Jan. 2, 1930, in Kalaheo, Kauai, she was the retired office manager for the former Ted H. Miyahara CPA, Inc.
Private services were held.
She is survived by husband, Ted Miyahara of Hilo; son, Miles (Yanhua) Miyahara of Hilo; daughter, Colleen Takamura of Wailuku, Maui; sister, Violet Burgess of Aiea, Oahu; and grandchildren, Jet Miyahara and Ashley Takamura.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Mollie Esmeralda
Mollie K. Esmeralda, 97, of Keopu, died June 14, 2021, at Kona Community Hospital. Born May 8, 1924, in Honolulu, she was a babysitter and a member of Keola Mauloa Church.
Services will be held at a later date.
She is survived by her son, Donald (Betty) Esmeralda of Waimea; daughter, Stella Sumarnap of Kailua-Kona; hanai sons, Jacob (Cindy) Chong of Waimea, and Alston (Darlene) Chong, Melvin (Sara) Thomas Jr. and Leroy Ortiz, all of Kailua-Kona; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.