Johanna Kwai Chun Akaka Hiliolani Kaupu, 50, died June 17 at her father’s home in Keaukaha. Born in Hilo, she was an English 10 language arts teacher at Waiakea High School, member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus in Honolulu. Memorial services pending. No flowers. Online condolences: dodomortuary.com. Survived by daughter, Tiara Martino of Salt Lake City; son, Salvatore Martino of Hilo; father, Raphael (Sandy Cox) Kaupu Sr. of Keaukaha; mother, Johnnette (Eric) Higuchi of Hilo; brothers, Raphael (Meilani) Kaupu Jr. of Keaau and Kyle Higuchi of San Diego; hanai sisters, Tina Marcinkowski of Mountain View and Jessica Oliveira of Keaau; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Donald Soares Medeiros, 82, of Hilo died June 19 at home. Born in Hilo, he was a retired heavy equipment operator, also retired from the Operating Engineers Local 3 Stabilization Unit, member of the American Cowboy Team Roping Association; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, KOA Puna Motorcycle Club, Onipa‘a Softball Team and retiree member of Operating Engineer’s Local 3. Visitation 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial celebration at 4 p.m. Casual attire. Survived by companion, Maricar Battad; daughters, Donette (Bobby) Iyo, Laurie (Chucky) Lewis and Carol Ann (Alton Penrose Sr.) Patao; brother, Earl “Bradda Silva” De Silva; sisters, Carol (Milton) Hughes-Okada and Jessie (George) Sanborn; hanai brother, Rodney (Margaret) Acia; hanai sisters, Diana (George) Aukai and Shirley Kanehailua; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a hanai niece, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Vanessa Day (Lapinig) Salomon, 60, of Hilo died June 2 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, she was a teacher’s aide at several preschools in Hilo, provided after-school care at Connections Public Charter School, was a childcare provider, Zumba instructor and member of New Hope-Hilo. Visitation 5-6 p.m. Friday (July 8) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 6 p.m. Graveside committal service 2 p.m. Saturday (July 9) at Homelani Memorial Park, Lehua Section. Casual attire. Survived by spouse, Chris J. Salomon; children, Tessie N. (Pancipanci) Fontes and Tyris Salomon; stepson, Desdond Bagolar; mother, Veronica Y. Bibilone; grandmother, Trinidad Bibilone; siblings, Carrie (Telson Chang) Lapinig, Neal Lapinig, Dominic (Marieta) Lapinig and Jay Lapinig; caregiver/niece, Chelstine Kimura-Lapinig; five grandchildren; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Dorathea “Dora” Tinao, 83, of Kailua-Kona died June 12, at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Waimea, Kauai, she was a retired housekeeper for the former Kona Surf Resort, worked at Laniakea Airport Café and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kailua-Kona. Casual attire. Survived by sons, Gary Tinao of Hilo, Patrick Tinao, Edward Tinao and Robert Tinao of Kailua-Kona; daughter, Jolene (Gerry) Wike of Kailua-Kona; sister, Theresa Benzon of Lihue, Kauai; 13 grandchildren abd 26 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.