Thomas “Tommy” Masao Kina, 76, of Hilo died Dec. 12 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Olaa, he was a bus driver for Laupahoehoe Transportation and Jack’s Tours and U.S. Army veteran. Visitation 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 27) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ponahawai Chapel. Memorial service at 10 a.m. Urn burial to follow at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Aloha attire; no flowers. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by wife, Janet Kina of Hilo; daughter, Christine Kina of Hilo; son, James Kina of Hilo; sister, Helen Garrett of Watauga, Texas; brothers, Alfred (Patsy) Kina and George (Mary) Kina of Keaau, Howard Kina of Hilo, Dee (Lisa) Kina of Keaau; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Gladys Patricia Mattos Potter, 87, of Hilo died Dec. 18 at home. Born in Hilo, she was a housewife and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation 6-9 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 27) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation again 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday (Dec. 28) at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Committal service and burial together with her late husband, Arthur Potter Sr., to follow at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Casual attire. Survived by sons, Darell Babagay of Kona and Ellsworth (Beverley) Babagay of Hilo; daughter, Haunani (Gary “Bo”) Baugues of Keaau; daughter-in-law, Lorna Potter of Hilo; brothers, Sebastian (Dolores) Mattos of Hilo and Albert (Lily) Mattos of Ahualoa; sisters, Eleanor Finch of Ukiah, Calif., and Theresa Baumgarner of Hilo; sisters-in-law, Maile Mattos of Hilo and Doreen Daniel of Kaneohe, Oahu; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Asayo Shirai, 92, of Keopuka Mauka, Kona, died Nov. 15 at home. Born in Kapehu, North Hilo, she was a former macadamia nut sorter for Kona Coffee Cooperative and Mrs. Field’s Cookies, retired coffee farmer and member of Hanei Kumiai and Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Private services held. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Memorial donations to Hospice of Kona, P.O. Box 4130, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. Survived by sons, Ronald Shirai of Captain Cook and Lloyd (Lois) Shirai Sr. of Kealakekua; daughters, Lynn Shirai (Brian) Tanimoto and Janis Shirai of Hilo; sisters, Fumie Miyazu, Yoshie Saiki and Emiko (George) Serikaku of Oahu; sister-in-law, Kiyoko Kadohiro of Oahu; four grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.