The Rev. Ronald Nolan Makaula Dela Cruz, 79, of Waimea died Sept. 20 at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea. Born in Honolulu, he was the retired founder and operator of Security Solutions of Hawaii, a security manager for Parker Ranch, spiritual leader and licensed kahu who performed many weddings and blessings, actor and Screen Actors Guild member who appeared in films including “Hawaii,” “The Hawaiians” and “King Kong,” the original “Hawaii 5-0” television program, high chief of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and founder of the Order’s North Hawaii chapter, and graduate of Farrington High School and Junior All-American in football. Private services held. Celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by wife, Mary L. Andrews of Waimea; stepchildren, Ginger (Rick) Gelke of New York and Scott (Aya) Andrews of Panama; sisters, Lorraine Daley of Waimea, Elizabeth (Rick) Ahina of Oahu and Bernadette (Sterling) Nii of Oahu; brother, Anthony (Malia) Koko of Oahu; three step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Estelle Marie Uluwehi Francisco, 78, of Hawi died Oct. 3 at Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua in Honokaa. Born in Honolulu, she worked in the hospitality industry for many years and was owner and operator of E.M.F. Express. Private family service on Nov 9. Survived by children, Rocklyn (James) Ku of Kohala, Tracey (Anthony Granito) Cazimero of Las Vegas, Lance (Tessa) Cazimero of Kohala and Shelby K. (Brad) Fernandez of Waikoloa; brother, Jeffery (Sally) Pacheco of Honolulu; sisters, Gayle Moore of Makakilo, Oahu, and California, Raina Wilson of Honolulu and Tanya (Jeff) Powell of California; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Raphael “Fro” Keli‘iheleho‘okahi Kaupu Jr., 50, of Keaau died Oct. 6 at home. Born in Hilo, he was a truck driver for Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii, coach for New Hope-Hilo baseball team and Keaau High School softball Team, and a paddler with Hui Wa‘a o Waiakea Canoe Club. Celebration of life 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Kaupu residence, 273 Baker Ave. in Hilo. Casual attire; no flowers. Survived by wife, Meilani Kaupu of Keaau; father Raphael (Sandy Cox) Keli‘iheleho‘okahi Kaupu Sr.; mother, Johnette (Eric Higuchi) Haunani Yuk Lun Pakele; son, Landon Pestano of Keaau; daughters, Leila (Kaynen) Tolentino, Lilia Kaupu, Tiani Kaupu, Mya Kaupu and Kiara Kaupu of Keaau; brother, Kyle Higuchi of Las Vegas; hanai sisters Christina (Liz) Marcinkowski and Jessica (Jimmy) De Reis of Mountain View; two granddaughters; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Stanley Masato Kohashi, 78, of Kailua-Kona, died Sept. 25 at the Kona Community Hospital. Born in Hilo, he was a bookkeeper for Waikoloa Land Co. and Suisan Co. Ltd. Private services held. Survived by daughter, Leslie (Michael) Sumitani of Hilo; sister, Susan (Jon) O’Rourke of Virginia; two grandchildren; nephews and a niece. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Amy M. Saiki, 93, of Kealakekua died Sept. 23 at home. Born in Manoa, Oahu, she was a retired salesclerk for Kona Coast Macadamia Nut and Candy Co. and member of Lifewater Church, Akitsu Kumiai and Fukuoka Kenjin Kai. Visitation 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Lifewater Church in Kealakekua. Service at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow. Casual attire. Interment on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu. Survived by daughter, Jann (Gene Morimoto) Saiki-Morimoto of Kealakekua; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Rise Saiki of Honolulu and Kathy Saiki of Denver; a granddaughter; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.