Tropical Gardening: April showers to bring spring flowers

As the sun gets stronger, many shrubs, trees and especially vines can grow at a rapid pace. This makes vines great for covering unsightly fences like concrete or chain link. Good fences and hedges make good neighbors goes the old saying, and maybe in the old days it was the case. Stone walls are traditional and impressive, but expensive. Today, we have so many choices that an unattractive fence or hedge might create all kinds of neighbor problems depending on type of material used.

Obituaries for April 12

Donata Madriaga Alonzo, 92, of Keaau died Feb. 22 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, she was a retired factory worker for Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut and member of the Keaau Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation 4-6 p.m. Thursday (April 18) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Wake service at 6 p.m. Visitation again 10-11 a.m. Friday, April 19, at Keaau Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Casual attire. Burial 12:30 p.m. at Homelani Memorial Park, Ilima Section. Survived by children, Freming (Dennis Michaels) Alonzo of Hilo, Eddie Alonzo and Ruben Alonzo of Keaau, Pearl (Ryan) Alonzo Oshita of Honolulu; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Obituaries for April 11

Martie Buchanan, 80, of Hilo died March 26 at home. She was a volunteer at Hawaii Care Choices, gallery greeter at East Hawaii Cultural Center, friend of Bill W.’s and member of the Mohouli Community. No flowers. Memorial donations to Hawaii Care Choices. Survived by daughter, Tiare Giardina; son-in-law, Lawrence Giardina; brother, Bill Buchanan; a grandson.

Obituaries for April 10

John Agcawile Ancheta, 82, of Honokaa died Jan. 6 at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born in Paauhau, he was a retired equipment operator for the former Hamakua Sugar Co. and retired truck driver for Hapuna Beach Prince Beach Hotel. Celebration of life noon Saturday, April 20, at Paauilo Hongwanji Hall. Survived by wife, Geraldine Ancheta of Honokaa; daughters, Laura (Anthony) Ross of Waimea, Sui-Lin (Damien) Maikui of Hilo and Ku‘ulei (Daryl) Ancheta of Honolulu; son, Paul (Fay) Ancheta of Honokaa; brothers, Maurice Ancehta of North Carolina and Anthony (Benita) Ancheta of Waimea; sisters, Alice Panui Jr. of Honolulu and Luana Ancheta-Kauwe of Hilo; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Obituaries for April 8

Herman Kamaka Ehu Kamahele, 80, of Hilo died March 1 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired longshoreman, member of the musical group Na Ho‘aloha “Just Friends” and graduate of Hilo High School. Celebration of life noon Saturday, April 20, at AJA Veterans Hall, 361 Haihai St. in Hilo. Survived by sons, Sheldon (Leslie) Kamahele, Shayne (Lisa) Kamahele and Shannon (Janelle) Kamahele of Hilo; brothers, Oliver “Maka” (Harriet) Kamahele and James “Cowboy” (Jill) Kamahele of California, William Kamahele of Hilo; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Volcano Watch: STEM and suction solutions at HVO

STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In the educational system, encouraging STEM curriculum prepares students for future careers in STEM fields. In this “Volcano Watch” article, we’ll describe how aspects of STEM are applied at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, using a specific example of field engineering work.

Obituaries for April 7

Juilee Davis Ako, 44, of Kailua-Kona died Dec. 19, 2023, at home. Born in Honolulu, she was a residential support specialist and direct support worker for Arc of Kona and member of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Service conducted by father-in-law, Ano Ako, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at OTEC. Potluck to follow to sunset. No flowers; monetary donations appreciated. Survived by husband, Bla Ako of Kailua-Kona; son, Exodus P. Debina of Kailua-Kona; brothers, Michael Hudnall of Las Vegas, James and William Hudnall of Kailua-Kona and Hilo; sister, Angilee (Rudy) Gonzalez of Kansas; parents-in-law, Ano and Lorie Ako of Kailua-Kona; brothers-in-law, James “Boyson” Arnold Jr., Herbie Kaipo (Shannon) Ako and Herbie (Shannon) Ako of Kailua-Kona; sister, Napualani (James) Ako-Hartwell of Kailua Kona; an uncle, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.