Community gathers to dedicate Rockne Freitas Way

Rockne Freitas may have been an all-pro NFL player for 11 years, but his legacy lives on as a great leader and visionary in higher education in Hawaii. On Saturday, his legacy was honored by the dedication of Rockne Freitas Way, the entrance to Hawaii Community College at Palamanui.

Obituaries for February 12

Frank M. Baker, 66, of Pahoa died Dec. 22, 2023, at home. Born in Boulder, Colo., he was a football coach at Hilo, Waiakea and Kamehameha high schools and was set to retire as an adult correctional officer. Celebration of life 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by son, Saya Baker of the Big Island; brothers, John Baker and Mark Baker of the Big Island, Wes Baker of Colorado. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.

Kauka ready to rally Cowboys again this postseason

KAPAAU — When Kohala boys basketball guard Layden Kauka won the 2023 ScoringLive Player of the Year and sank the game-winning jump shot against University in the Division II state championship as a freshman just one year ago, many were shocked at how quickly he reached stardom. But those involved in the Cowboys’ day-to-day activities have known that the current sophomore was unique for quite some time, even years before Kauka reached high school.