Thelma Leilehua Akiona, 70, of Napoopoo died Oct. 9 at her residence. Born in Captain Cook, she was a maintenance worker at The Club at Hokulia, groundskeeper at Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Park, room attendant at Kona Village, manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken and driver for Avis car rentals at the Kona airport. Visitation 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Kealakekua. Mass 11 a.m. Casual attire; flowers welcome. Survived by daughter, Tammy (Peter Pahinui) of Napoopoo; brothers, Samuel Akiona Jr. of Napoopoo, and Harold Akiona Sr. of Honalo; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Chadwick “Chad” Awana Kauwe, 51, of Kailua-Kona died Oct. 5 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Kealakekua, he was a fueling agent for Signature Flight Support, carpenter for Bartech International and a sports enthusiast. Celebration of Life 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Makaeo Events Pavilion at Kona Old Airport Park. Service 11:30 a.m. Luncheon to follow. Condolences can be sent to Shirley Kauwe, P.O. Box 2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. For information, call 936-6237. Survived by mother, Shirley Kauwe of Kailua-Kona; brother, Llewelyn (Cheryl) Kauwe of Kailua-Kona; sisters, Renee (Henry) Dickenson of California, Leandra Oandasan of Waimea, Danielle (John) Correa of Washington; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.
Len Hokulani Losalio, 49, of Kailua-Kona died Aug. 18 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Kealakekua, he was a conservation and resources enforcement officer for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Celebration of life 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Halau Maluhia in Keei. Luncheon and fellowship to follow. Survived by wife, Andi Losalio of Captain Cook; daughters, Olelomoana Losalio of Kealakekua and Lilinoekiliphuinalani Losalio of Kalaoa; son, Hokulani Losalio II of Captain Cook; hanai brother, Rio Taupu of Keei; hanai sisters, Helene Taupu of Keei and Renee Castillon of Maui; a niece, aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Gary Meltzer, 80, of Hilo died Oct. 9 at home. Born in San Francisco, he was a retired lieutenant and arson investigator with the San Francisco Fire Department, served three years in the U.S. Navy, grew tropical plants and rare fruits and was in multiple organizations focusing on plants, animals and nature. Survived by spouse, Thelma Meltzer of California; daughters, Katherine Meltzer and Ann (Joseph) Walls of California; three grandchildren. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
James “Bud” Willard Placek, 73, of Captain Cook died Sept. 18 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Belleville, Ill., he was an electrical engineer for the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, U.S. Air Force retiree, member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and member of the Hawaii Air National Guard. Internment with military honors 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kailua-Kona. Survived by wife, Melvamae Placek of Captain Cook; sons, Colin Placek of Captain Cook, Justin Rickard of Honolulu, Christopher (Ashley Mello) Placek of San Diego; brother, Richard (Debbie) Placek of Arkansas; sister, Penny (Harold) Schmidt of Columbia, Ill. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jamieson “Wongie” Kauinohea Wong, 63, of Kailua-Kona died Sept. 23 at his residence. Born in Honolulu, he was the bassist for Hawaiian reggae band Hoaikane. Celebration of Life 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Makaeo Events Pavilion at Old Kona Airport Park. Service at noon. Luncheon to follow. For information, call Luke at 825-3032. Survived by wife, Josanne Wong of Kailua-Kona; sons, Luke Wong, Jamin Wong, Jamieson (Sheena) Wong Jr. and Joby Wong of Kailua-Kona; brothers, Junius (Candace) Wong of Honolulu, Leland (Denise) Wong of Kailua-Kona; nine grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.