Hawaii native Iam Tongi wins ‘American Idol’

“American Idol” judge Katy Perry predicted it, the “line” in Las Vegas put odds on it, and on Sunday it came to be: Iam Tongi—Kahuku-born-and-raised, “priced out of paradise” and now a resident of Federal Way, Wash. —won Season 21 of “American Idol.”

Let’s Talk Food: Recipes from HIAC Cookbook

Many nonprofit organizations need to constantly have fundraisers to continue their programs. One such is the Hawaii Adult Day Care Center, which started in 1976 with a dozen frail elderly adults gathered at Kaumana Baptist Church. Their sons and daughters needed to have them watched over while they were at work.

Obituaries for May 23

Claralyn Nalani Bowden-Bernardo, 78, of Hilo died April 27. Born in Honolulu, she was a painter, photographer and graphic designer and retired as a teacher. Private services held. Survived by partner, Donald Lee; brothers, Matthew Bowden and Timothy Bowden; sisters, Rebecca Pascual, J. Lani Bowden and R. Kanani Bowden; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Irwin: The culmination of the study, grit

I miss teaching. I freely admit that the day-to-day interactions with students, the ability to share ideas and pose questions, and the personal and professional mentoring of students are the joys that got me into the higher education field in the first place. Watching students’ eyes light up when they grasp a complex concept or seeing them present a paper or poster based on research on which they worked so very hard are rewarding in ways that reviewing spreadsheets, writing reports, and attending endless meetings cannot match. As chancellor, however, I do have some opportunities that I did not have as a faculty member in that I get to shake the hand of our graduates who walk across the stage at commencement. Every. Single. One.

Obituaries for May 21

Viktor Merkulov, 62, of Keaau died May 17 at The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. Born in Russia, he was a driver, stone mason and mechanic. Visitation 9:30-10, a.m. Saturday (May 27) at Ballard Family Mortuary Chapel. Service at 10 a.m. Burial 1 p.m. at Alae Cemetery. Survived by wife, Yelena Merkulov; sons, Vitaliy, Dmitriy, Igor, John, David and Joseph; daughters, Viktoriya, Olesya, Marina and Angelica; brother, Valeriy; sisters, Galina, Alina and Nina; five grandchildren; aunts, uncles and cousins. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Waiakea golfers share championship experiences

When the Waiakea High School boys golf team’s flight home from Kauai touched down last week, it was greeted by streams of water shot overhead by firetrucks and a crowd of supporters waiting outside of the airport.

Obituaries for May 19

Leonard “Leo” Andrew Gonsalves Sr., 81, of Pahoa died April 30 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hakalau, he was a retired production worker for Frank’s Foods, tractor operator for the former Hamakua Sugar Co. member of the ILWU Bowling League and avid hunter. Visitation 8:30-9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial to follow at Alae Cemetery. Aloha attire; flowers welcome. Condolences to: RR3 Box 1299, Pahoa, HI 96778. Survived by wife, Jody Gonsalves of Pahoa; daughter, Stephanie (Darrel) Branco of Kurtistown; stepchildren, Carl (Jan) Beavers Jr. of Pahoa, Karla (Bully) Gabriel of Honokaa and Peter Vana Jr. of Pahoa; three grandsons, seven step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Obituaries for May 18

George Michael Leras Jr., 80, of Keaau died April 8. Born in Pennsylvania, he was a U.S. Navy veteran. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by a sister, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.