The fighting spirit: Toughman Hawaii qualifier a huge success in Hilo

HILO — Fighters from around the Aloha State made their way to Hilo over the weekend to compete in the largest international youth kickboxing tournament Hawaii has ever seen. Saturday’s Toughman Hawaii’s Next Generation Interisland Qualifier (for keiki fighters aged 6-18) at the Hilo Civic proved to live up to every bit of what it was hyped to be.

Obituaries for July 14

Theresa “Gigi” “Honey” Georgia Macion, 71, of Waimea died June 2 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Laupahoehoe, she was a retired reservations agent for the Mauna Lani resort, former salesclerk at Village Pharmacy in Waimea, member of Waimea Senior Citizens, Alu Like, involved with MADD Hawaii and volunteered with numerous organizations and community clubs. Visitation 8:30-9:45 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Waimea. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Waimea County Cemetery. Casual attire. Survived by children, Eugene Macion of Kona and Melveen (Dave) Johnston of Honokaa; mother, Cecilia (Harry) Plekavic of Chicago; siblings, Blake Tokushige of Waipahu, Oahu, Johnette (Paul) Palumbo of Downs, Ill., Frank (Letty) Plekavic of Addison, Ill., Brenda (Rob) Krepek of Parlin, N.J., Joenell Leina‘ala (Brian) Dietmeyer of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Todd (Allysa) Plekavic of New Lenox, Ill.; five grandchildren and a great-grandson; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Tropical Gardening: The macadamia tree comes from the land down under

Like many other trees from Australia, the macadamia thrives in Hawaii. Others suited to the Islands are many grevillea, melaleuca, callistemon and eucalyptus species. When it comes to our favorite nut, many folks on the mainland think of macadamia nut trees are native to Hawaii, but here we know it is an Australian tree that we adopted as our own.

Obituaries for July 11

Chandler Charles, 68, of Hawaii Island died Jan. 26. No known family. Survivors are asked to contact Hilo Benioff Medical Center at (808) 932-3500, option 4.

HCRA: Kai ‘Ehitu claims second regatta win of season

Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club won its second regatta of the Moku O Hawai’i Outrigger Canoe Racing Association 2024 season on Saturday in Hilo Bay — accumulating 28 points and 233 points. The team also collected the most wins with 12 gold medals. The race day was sponsored by Kamehameha Canoe Club – Hilo.

Let’s Talk Food: Mustard cabbage

My sister harvested her mustard cabbage and gave me some. My favorite way to eat it is by brining it into sin choi. I also like to use it instead of nori to make makizushi-stuffed with seasoned tuna. My friend Tracy will make kim chee out of it.

Obituaries for July 9

Christina K Andrews, 98, of Hilo died June 26 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Born in Hilo, she was an organist and member of Haili Congregational Church and St Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Thursday (July 11) at Haili Congregational Church. Service at 10 a.m. Survived by daughters, Pauline Romero of Arizona, DonnaRae Akau and Susan Damo of Hilo; sons, Richard Rickard Jr. and Francis Rickard of Hilo; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; cousins. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Obituaries for July 8

Shawn Kainoa Kahalewai, 54, of Hilo died June 10 in Hilo. Born in Hilo, he was a laborer for Island Moving Co. who loved the beach, fishing and being with his wife and family. Private celebration of life 3-9 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 at hale of Caylan and Trena Ua, 128 Hoohua St. in Hilo on Panaewa Homestead. Casual attire, flowers welcome. Not open to the public: family and immediate friends contact niece, Caseyleigh Sabate-Hauanio for info. Survived by wife, Jolene Kahalewai of Hilo; son, Vance Davis; hanai sons, James Hi‘ilei, Rylan Hi‘ilei, Jacob Puakea and Joshua Soares; hanai daughters, Genesis Puakea, Caseyleigh (JB) Sabate-Hauanio and Leinani Sabate; brother, Richard (Tanya) Kahalewai; sisters, Rachael “Shelly” Sabate and Roxanne “Roxy” Kahalewai; hanai brothers, Richard “Tonto” (Akalina) Spencer, Chucky Spencer, Earl “Boy” Kanae and Mana Aguiar; father in-law, James Lawrence; brother in-law, Jeremy “Joanne” Lawrence; sister in-law, Jenilee “Jake” NacNac-Lawrence; a grandson; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.