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Martin was born May 2, 1953, at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu. He was the first of six children born to Benjamin and Gaelic Martin Ahuna. He lived his entire life in Ewa. Martin loved his plantation home and, except for a trip to Washington state, spent every night of his life at the Ahuna home in Ewa. Martin attended Ewa Elementary School, Damien for a year and a half and graduated from Campbell High School in 1971. Martin was gravely injured on August 7, 1999, in a moped accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. Though bedridden for the next twenty plus years he was never despondent and his mind stayed sharp. Martin was an avid follower of the news and kept abreast of local and world events. His love of drag racing and Motocross racing was surpassed only by his love of family. Devastated by the untimely loss of his sisters Laua'e and Kona, he maintained close ties with all family members, especially nieces and nephews. The family is sure Martin sends a special 'thank you' to his lifelong friends, Russell Fujita and Emmett Kaanehe, who visited often and helped keep Martin's spirits up. The family gives special thanks to the Queen's Geriatric department and specifically Doctor Brett Flynn, Doctor Sarah Racsa, Jacob Moore and other home health care agencies for their superb care of Martin.
Martin was a professional auto mechanic, providing much appreciated guidance and a helping hand to family and friends on such matters. What Martin enjoyed most was surfing. He was an excellent surfer and practically lived at Hau Bush Beach.
Martin was preceded in death by his father Benjamin Ahuna; sisters Laurene Laua'e (Van) Vidal, Kona Ahuna and niece Ka'iulani Saez. Martin is survived by his beloved mother Gaelic Steele and stepfather David Steele; sisters Gaelic Kahala (Charles) Pantohan, Leah Iolani (Derek) Benz and brother Clifford Mililani (Gemma) Ahuna; Auntie Kawe DeFreitas of Papakolea, Auntie Virginia Sabado of California and the Steele ohana of Missouri. Martin passed December 22, 2022, leaving his loved ones listed above along with 16 nieces, 20 nephews and many cousins, whom he loved very much, to cherish his memory.
Honoring Martin's wishes, there will be a paddle-out from Hau Bush with his ashes to be scattered at sea on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023. Those wishing to participate are to assemble at 7:00 a.m. at Hau Bush, with paddle-out at 8:00 a.m. Scattering of ashes to be followed at 12 noon with a farewell gathering and catered luncheon at Nimitz Beach pavilion #1814. Family and friends cordially invited.
Rest easy our son, brother, uncle, and friend. We miss you.
