We remember you, Mahalo Nā Kupuna

LKNH Member 1997-2004

A three-time Vietnam veteran from Mahukona, Hawai’i Island, Edwin was a Master Craftsman of Traditional Hawaiian Arts, co-founder of Na Leo O Ke Kai, very active in cross-cultural activities throughout the Western U.S Native Communities and honored as the “movers and shakers of the Asian-Pacific Community”. In 2000, Edwin, wife LouAnn and Auntie Hazel Soares co-founded the Native Hawaiian Prison Ministry which continues today in Eloy, AZ.

LKNH Member 1995-2005

Born in Nanakuli, Oahu, Lono co-founded Arizona's first outrigger canoe club, Na Leo O Ke Kai. He was instrumental in bringing Hawaiian musicians to Arizona. Lono was known for his ono lau lau, infectious laugh and big hugs.

LKNH Member 1995-2005

Proud Kahuku graduate, Auntie Hazel was the spark for the Native Hawaiian Prison Ministry, originally in Florence, AZ, “to share my aloha and the Hawaiian culture to all who want to learn”. Her purpose was also accomplished by founding Halau Po’okalani, sharing at local schools, events, workshops and especially sharing her “Maddah Goose” stories at the Arizona Aloha Festival. Her bright red lipstick, smile and infectious laugh could light up any room.

LKNH Member 1998-2006

Auntie Ellie was born in Mahukona, Hawaii Island. She was a school teacher in Long Island, NY before moving to Arizona and joined Lau Kanaka in 1998. She served on newsletter distribution and decoration committees. Auntie helped start our first ukulele band and is fondly remembered for her gentle & caring nature and graham cracker treats.

LKNH Member 1997-2017

Auntie Clayre was active on the Christmas Party and Hawaiian Civic Club committees . She directed Akana Ohana Hula Halau for keiki and was a gracious and caring tutu and club member.

LKNH Member 2015-2017

Born in Minnesota and a resident of Arizona.

LKNH Member

Laurie was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and was co-founder of Aloha Arizona Connection and Aloha in the Desert. She was deeply passionate about Hawaiian culture and was a longtime LKNH member. Laurie is remembered for her aloha spirit, fierce enthusiasm and friendship.

LKNH Member 1996-2008

Uncle Kumalae was born in Honolulu, Oahu and moved to CA in the 70's. He later relocated to Phoenix with daughter Kaimikahu where they founded Kaimikahu Hale O Hula halau. In 2002, he joined Lau Kanaka No Hawaii and often performed with Auntie Clayre Jones valley-wide. Uncle also started Desert Strummers, which continues to carry on his spirit. He was an amazing singer, story-teller, musician, dancer, dad & uncle to all.

LKNH Member

From Tempe, AZ, Uncle Warren was active with the Japanese American Citizens League, Sandwich Isle Ukulele Band, Scottsdale Strummers, Laveen Lions Club, Desert Cross Community Church and LKNH. He performed regularly at the Arizona Aloha Festival, Friendship Village Memory Care Center and various other organizations as was his passion.

LKNH Member & Past President

LKNH Member & Co-Founder

LKNH Member

Active member of LKNH and a 20 year AF Veteran, George settled in Goodyear, AZ in the 1970s. He loved life through sports (USA Volleyball Official) and was an Hawaiian music enthusiast. George shared all he learned and volunteered during Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

LKNH Member

Dr. Ted was a beloved Glendale, AZ community leader, LKNH member, President of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Arizona Matsuri Festival. He also served the community as a board member for many community organizations.

LKNH Member

Ellie was a longtime LKNH member, goodwill ambassador and "Raffle Lady". Besides her love of all things Hawaiian, she had an infectious laugh and made sure all those around her enjoyed themselves.

LKNH Member & Past President

John was a driving force of our club for many years. He introduced proper LKNH meeting protocol and was an avid golfer. His family and Ohana Aikane Golf Club, continue to support LKNH with fundraiser donations, service and participation.

LKNH Members & Co-founders

Luana was born in the Puna District, Hawaii Island and was an accomplished hula dancer and singer. Scho and Luana met on Oahu while serving in the United States Air Force together and were married in 1954. They were a driving force of LKNH while raising their sweet family in the Glendale, AZ area.

LKNH Member 2016-2017

Born in Queens New York, Ray was a veteran of the US Army and Marine Corps during WWII. He had a love of music, was an accomplished entertainer and organist in addition to his career as a telecommunications engineer. After retiring to Sun Lakes, AZ, he became an active member of LKNH and the SIUB and was the ukulele band's music recorder.

LKNH Member 2016-2017

Ben was a veteran of the US Army and Hawaii National Guard. He graduated from Leilehua High School and was a long-distance LKNH member while living in Wahiawa, Oahu. In addition to his military service, Ben was a banker, special education teacher and mentor to returning military men.

LKNH Member 1991-2012

Auntie Maryann was a very active club member and known as the the "Rainbow Lady". She would send out get well or condolences cards to LKNH family members and always called to see how they were doing. Auntie helped with the annual luau prep and also served as a luau greeter. She was the first recipient of the Mother Kanaka of the Year Award.

LKNH Member, Past President & Co-founder

Carlton was a longtime LKNH leader and proposed the idea that became the "Aloha Festival". He also reinstated the Hawaiian tradition of giving the host of our club meetings a gift, in the way of an "ohana" plaque design that reflected the host family. Carlton believed very strongly that the future of the club rested with the keiki of club members and would work with them in promoting Hawaiian culture.

LKNH Member 2006-2018 & Past President

Uncle Henry was born in Waianae, Oahu and served as President of LKNH from 2008 - 2015. He was a committed leader as well as longtime Luau Committee Chairperson. He led the Sandwich Isle Ukulele Band for 10 years as well as performing at Aloha Kitchen, Chevy's, C -Fu Chinese and Floridino's restaurants. Uncle will be remembered for his honor, strength and wisdom.

LKNH Member 2010-2018

Originally from Burlington, Vermont, Joan worked for many years as an IRS Tax Fraud Investigator and was a longtime, beloved LKNH member. Auntie Joan enjoyed helping friends, her Burmese cat "KC" and volunteering for many local organzations.

LKNH Member 1986-2018

John was a pioneer in the early years of our club. He served as President (two terms) and Treasurer, and was always a strong supporter of our club. Many remember planning activities and a great luau in his back yard on Pierson Street. John leaves his wife Janet (co-editor of the newsletter) and three adult children, Jacque, Mike and Dave. He is remembered for his ability to fix anything, help others and a man with great patience.