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 to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements with photos may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Darrel Okimura
Darrel Dee “Dee Dee” Chiemi Okimura, age 69, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (formerly of Hilo, Hawaii), died February 7, 2023 in the Kona Community Hospital. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 13, 1953 and worked as an Office Clerk at Uncle Billy’s Hilo Bay &Kona Bay Hotels. She was a member of Sing Out Hilo and Up with People (1975-1976) and was a long-time volunteer with the Ironman Triathlon. Private services held. No flowers. No Koden (monetary offerings). On-line condolences at dodomortuary.com. She is survived by brothers, Gavin Okimura of Hilo and Talbot Okimura of California; sister, Stacy Okimura of Hilo; an uncle, an aunt, numerous cousins and friends. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Sumiko Ito
Sumiko H. Ito, 97, of Honokaa, Hawaii, died June 22, 2023 at Sosima’s Care Home. Born in Paauilo, Hawaii, she was an industrial relations office administrator for the Hamakua Sugar Company. Private services will be held. The family requests no flowers and no koden (monetary gifts). She is survived by her daughters, Karen Moriyama of Aiea, Oahu, and Coleen (Charles) Taylor of Kailua-Kona; 2 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary
Hamby Kahawaii-Lang
Hamby Onaona Kahawaii-Lang passed away on June 10, 2023. Born March 31, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Shem &Hamby (Akina) Kahawaii. She is survived by her husband, Smith Lang, her children, Anthony Kahawaii, Pikake Quebatay, Kalani (Jeannie) Quebatay, Makana (Dane) Carvalho, and William Ochmann Jr. six grandchildren, mother Hamby Kahawaii Sr.; brothers, Shem Kahawaii, John (Barbara) Kahawaii, and Danny Kahawaii, sisters, Trish (John) Fisher, Lorri Cardoza, and Cathy (Gerald) Hicks. Celebration of life on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 4:30 pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 550 E. 700 S., St. George, UT 84770. A Celebration of Life for Hamby in Waimea on Saturday, August 05, 2023, at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 65-1160 Kapiolani Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743 Arrangements by Spilsbury Mortuary St. George, Utah. Online guest book at spilsburymortuary.com
Carolynn Rodrigues
Carolynn Ann Rodrigues, 59, of Pahoa, passed away on July 2 at Hilo Medical Center. She worked in customer service at CU Hawaii call center, Hilo and Kona Walmarts, and the Spectrum call center in Hilo. Celebration of life gathering at the Wailoa State park on August 27, 2023. She is survived by husband Roy Rodrigues, and children, Desiree, Anthony, Eric, Roy Jr., and Dionna; stepchildren, Jacob, Haime, Eddy, Heidi, Troy, and Amy; and sister, Donna; 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Yoshikazu Seki
Yoshikazu Seki, 97, of Hilo, passed away on June 7, 2023. Born June 3, 1926 in Kurtistown, he retired from HELCO and was an Army Veteran. He is survived by son, Nick Seki of Pahoa and daughter, Nina M.A. Seki of Junction City, OR. , in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Private Services held. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.