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Samuel Kawehi Akau Jr. passed away on October 26, 2020 at the age of 92. He was born July 31, 1928 at Kahohonu in Moanalua on the island of O'ahu and was the oldest child of Samuel K. Sr. and Agnes Akau. Known today as Moanalua Gardens, Kahohonu was a village of mountain chiefs, the last vestige of old Moanalua. Here Sam was raised by his grandmother Malia Kalaha'eha'e Halemano Kau, the well known master of the oli kapu. Through Malia Kau, serving as her apprentice making imu, Sam learned the ancient knowledge of the Moanalua priesthood. He grew up taking his canoe down the stream from Pineapple Road all the way to Keehi Lagoon and the ocean to fish. He was an avid athlete and was eventually named to the 1946 ILH all-star football team as a left end for Farrington High School. Sam also became the first player ever in Hawaii to achieve all-state status in football for both offense and defense. In 1949, he married Agnes Kamakawiwoole of Hamakua and started a family on Umi Street in Kalihi. Throughout his adult life, he was involved in community youth sports as a coach and league commissioner and was recognized for this service by Mayor Frank Fasi. In 1988 Sam retired from the Hawaii Army National Guard and U.S Army Reserve having served our country with honor for 39 years.Sam was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Agnes, daughter Miriam, son Richard, brothers Louis Akau and Joseph Akau and sisters Lydia Lau, Juliana Rawlins, and Agnes Young. He is survived by sons Randall Akau, Ronald Akau, and Rodney Akau, daughters-in-law Jodi and Laurie, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated husband, father, our family patriarch, and beloved by family and friends. He had a strong faith in God and prayed often for spiritual strength. He was friendly, kind-hearted, and threw some awesome luaus. He was admired by his sons, will be dearly missed, and will always be in our hearts. A private service will be held at a later date, and Sam will be laid to rest at Kaualua, alongside his ancestors buried there.
Arrangements Provided By:
Hosoi Garden Mortuary
