Obituaries

Tuesday, December 2, 1997

---

Norito Kawakami,
85, former judge,
had varied career

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Norito Kawakami, 85, of Honolulu, retired judge and one-term territorial legislator, died Friday at home.

Kawakami stepped down in 1977 at age 65 as a Circuit Court judge. His clerk at the time, Marion Kitagawa, called him “very even-tempered” and “the best I‘ve seen.”

As he neared retirement, Kawakami said: “After serving 20 years in both District and Circuit Courts -- I feel that’s about enough for anybody.”

He had been elevated from Kauai District Court magistrate to Oahu Circuit Court judge in 1971 by Gov. John A. Burns.

“My theory of operation is that I perform the functions of a judge in whatever level of office I am in,” Kawakami told a Star-Bulletin reporter. “I do the best job I can on the basis of what the law is, and I apply this law on what I determine the facts to be.”

He was known for never making even off-the-record comments on pending cases.

For about his last three years on the bench, he handled the motions calendar.

“I must have handled about 2,000 to 2,500 motions a year; some of these terminated a case and some just decided points of law that arose from a case,” he said.

Asked for his thoughts on what could be done to improve the judicial system, he said: “I’m just a working judge. I’m not a high-class jurist.” He worked with what he had to work with, he said.

“The system is workable and is the best under the circumstances.”

Born in Eleele, Kauai, he attended Kauai public schools and the University of Hawaii. After World War II service, he eventually graduated from the University of Colorado law school in 1953. He had served as a territorial representative from Kauai in 1949 and 1950.

Following a brief time in private practice, Kawakami became a deputy attorney general here in 1954. His early legal career included service as a District Court magistrate on Kauai.

His varied background included time as a county agent prior to wartime military service. He was Kauai manager for Aloha Airlines from 1946 to 1950. He also served as Kauai Chamber of Commerce president and Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii vice president.

He is survived by wife Joan; daughters Alice, Esther and Irene; brothers Keiji, Toru and Daniel; sisters Yukie Murakami and Mabel Hashisaka; and one grandchild.

Private services.

---

Francisco M. Bersola, 70, of Honolulu, a yardman, died Nov. 1 in Kuakini Hospital. He was also a World War II veteran. Born in Pangasinan, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Alicia; son Francisco Jr.; daughters Corazon and Norma Bersola and Tessie dela Cruz; brother Faustino; and 11 grandchildren. Burial in the Philippines at a later date.

Ann B. Butler, 81, of Honolulu, appointed to the Territorial Commission of Children and Youth, died Nov. 23 in Arcadia Retirement Residence. Born in Phoenixville, Pa., she is survived by husband Lee; son Andrew Speese; daughter Ann Giese; brothers Jack, Robert and Harry Byrne; sisters Jean Bacci, Mary Gallagher, Louise Stratton and Margaret Arader; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Church, Wilder Avenue. Burial: 11 a.m. Friday at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Donations suggested to Hospice Hawaii, Arcadia Memorial Irrevocable Trust or to charity.

Gertrudis J. Calaycay, 90, of Honolulu died Nov. 24 in Straub Hospital. Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, she is survived by husband Sofronio; daughter Estrella Supnet; son Sofronio Jr.; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at St. Philomena Church. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass: 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: noon at Hawaiian Memorial Park.

Helen K.H. Ching, 89, of Honolulu, a kupuna for Royal Elementary School, died Friday in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Kipahulu, Maui, she is survived by sons Ralph Hanalei and Roy and Albert Ching; daughters Olivia Chong and Melva Ching; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Casual attire. No flowers.

Anthony “Tony” Correa, 85, of Oakland, Calif. and formerly of Waialua, a machine operator for Colorado Fuel & Iron Co. in Oakland, died Nov. 21 at home. He also owned and operated a kennel. Born in Waialua, he is survived by wife Claire; daughter Joyce Ramacciotti; son Robert; three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; brothers Larry and Louis; sisters Helen Camacho and Madeline Jameison; and a great-grandson. Mass: 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Michael Catholic Church, 67-390 Goodale Ave., Waialua. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Prayer services: 10:30 a.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 9 a.m. Interment: 11 a.m. at Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Alfred S. Costello, 88, of Honolulu, a retired clerk with Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, died Saturday in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Narvacan, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Esperanza; sons Alfredo Jr. and Viven; daughters Sister Francine, Gloria Perez and Mary Anne Thomas; brother Charles; sister Antera Manantan; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mass: 8 p.m. tomorrow at Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa Church. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Burial: 10 a.m. Thursday at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Casual attire.

James Dadubo, 58, of Pupukea, a retired rigger from Pearl Harbor Shipyard, died Thursday in Makakilo. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by mother Betty T. Antolin and cousins Travis and Katsuko Evans. Memorial services: 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 6 p.m. Inurnment services: 9 a.m. Friday at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.

Gloria T. Ikeda, 87, of Honolulu, a retired seamstress, died Saturday in St. Francis Hospital. Born in Niulii, North Kohala, Hawaii, she is survived by son Roy A.; daughters Jenny A. Faildo and Ruby Y. Kaay; brother Shigeru Shinkawa; six grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. Memorial services: 8 p.m. Thursday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire. No flowers.

Kiyoko Higashi, 90, of Kahului died Friday in Kahului Hale Makua. Born in Lahaina, she is survived by sons Walter, Mitsuo, Harold and Shigeto; daughters Ruth Otomo and Patsy Saki; sisters Fumiko Masusako; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Services over ashes: 5 p.m. today at Kahului Hongwanji Mission. Casual attire. No flowers.

Flora Jackson, 62, of Honolulu, a teacher’s aide at Palolo Elementary School, died Nov. 23 in St. Francis Hospital. Born in China, she is survived by sons Julio Bachiller and Andrew Soupene; daughters Winifred Hurry, Flora Wigginton and Sheila Smith; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three brothers. Private services.

Shirley M.C. Jones, 75, of Honolulu, an administrative assistant for Hale Ho’omalu Detention Facility, died Nov. 17 in Kailua. Born in Hollywood, Calif., she is survived by daughter Jeannine Bonnet; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Services: 6:30 p.m. today at Diamond Head Unity Church. No flowers. Donations suggested to Hospice Hawaii or Hawaiian Humane Society. Casual attire.

Hugo “Uncle Joe” Kekona, 96, of Kaaawa, a retired owner of Kekona Tours, died Saturday. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Eloise A.K.; son Hugo K.; daughter Makaala Lorito; a grandchild; and a great-grandchild. Services: 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hauula 2nd Ward Chapel. Call after 10 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park. Aloha attire.

Harold J. Masukawa, 78, of Hanamaulu, Kauai, died Saturday in Wilcox Hospital. Born in Waimea, Kauai, he is survived by son Glenn K.; daughter Cynthia N.; brother Shigeo; sisters Asako Ebata, Aiko Tottori and Kimiyo Kawahara; and two grandsons. Services: 4 p.m. Thursday at Lihue Hongwanji Church. Call after 3 p.m.

Edward S. Mattos, 60, of Hilo, proprietor of the former Ed’s Towing Co., died Nov. 18 in Hilo Hospital. Born in Hilo, he is survived by companion Ellen “Mohala” Garcia; sons Derrick Mattos and Jonrick and Jaerick Garcia; daughters Charmane Mattos, Michelle Ross and Kimberly and Kristan Garcia; brothers Abel Jr., Sebastian and Albert; sisters Alvera Rushlow, Eleanor Finch, Gladys Potter, Lillian Taylor and Theresa Baumgarner; and 10 grandchildren. Wake services: 7 p.m. Thursday at Dodo Mortuary. Call from 6 to 9 p.m. Mass: 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Casual attire.

Masato Misaka, 92, of Papaikou, Hawaii, a retired blacksmith/welder for Onomea Sugar Plantation, died Nov. 23 in Hilo Hospital. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, he is survived by sons Paul, Theodore “Ted” and Clyde; daughters Ruth Okamoto and Jane Kurokawa; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Private services and burial held. No monetary gifts, koden, donations or flowers.

Florence M. Mitsui, 69, of Honolulu died Thursday in Kuakini Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Kiyotoshi “Alfred”; sons Eric K., Bruce T., Jason T. and Todd K.; daughter Shelley I. Sato; sister Dorraine “Dot” Fukunaga; and three grandchildren. Services: 6 p.m. Friday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire.

Chizuko Ogawa, 80, of Honolulu, a retired bindery worker for Oahu Sugar Co., died Nov. 8 in Honolulu. Born in Lihue, she is survived by sons Dennis and Leslie; and sister Tsuyuko Kawachika. Private services.

Lily W. Ong, 89, of Papaikou, Hawaii, died Nov. 19 in Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in San Jose, Calif., she is survived by brothers Robert, George and Albert K.C. Wong and sister Rose Hom. Call from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Dodo Mortuary, Hilo. Burial: Homelani Memorial Park.

Charles P. Pasay, 72, of Waianae, owner of Aloha Jewelry Shop, died Nov. 22 in St. Francis-West Hospital. Born in Waipahu, he is survived by sons Benigno, Charlie Jr., Joel and Green; daughters Ligaya, Lucille, Rebecca, Meriam and Eunice; brother Edward; sisters Sally and Zuila; 25 grandchildren; and great grandchildren. Private services.

Robert E. Rush, 69, of Kahului, a retired milkman for Edgemar Dairies, died Thursday in Kahului. Born in Cook County, Ill., he is survived by wife Alice P.; son Patrick; daughters Leah Allingham and Ellen Rush; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Private services.

Paul M. Terada, 60, of Sunnyvale, Calif., formerly of Honolulu, died Nov. 16 in Sunnyvale, Calif. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Shirley M.; sons Kevin and Jason; brothers Edison and John; sisters Nellie Soares, Nancy Miyoi, Anne Higa and Helen Aiu. Private services.

Edna T. Watarai, 77, of Honolulu, a retired salesclerk with Sears, died Friday in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Minoru “Dickson”; sons Brian, Reginald and Patrick; brothers Tamotsu and Wilfred Takahashi; sisters Helen H. Watarai, Miyoko Masuno, Yoshiko Yasui, June Ikezawa, Amy Kajiwara and Barbara Desaki; and four grandchildren. Memorial services: 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Mililani Mortuary- Waipio, mauka chapel. Call after 6 p.m. Casual attire. No flowers.

James L. “Woody” Wood, 77, of Honolulu will be remembered in services 7 o’clock tonight at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 45-725 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe. Call after 6 p.m. Short ceremony and burial: 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Valley of the Temples. Incorrect information for an obituary published yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Betty Y. Yasuda, 81, of Honolulu died Sunday in Hale Pulama Mau. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by son Roy K.; daughter Judy S.; sisters Seiko Miyamoto and Hazel Takahashi; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services: 8 p.m. Friday at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Casual attire. No flowers.