Maile Asing Semitekol
MAILE ASING SEMITEKOL MO'OLELO O KA MEA 'AKAHI NO A MAKE Maile Asing Semitekol passed away peacefully at home following a full and well lived life at the age of 86 in Palm Springs California. Born in Haena, Kauai on September 25, 1929, an 'olelo Hawaii manaleo (native Hawaiian language speaker), she was well known as Hawaii Visitors Bureau Kauai's Ambassador of Aloha. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert "Uncle Bob" Semitekol; mother, Aney Chong Hing and father, William Ulrich Asing; Tutu wahine, Puaokina Hailama and Tutu kane, Alika William Hailama; and brothers, Wayne and Elwood Asing. She is survived by her son, Warren (Pamela) Asing, and daughter, Kathleen Pua (Donn Shigeta) Chin; seven grandsons (Kaumaka (Elvie), Kalei (Colena), Kahele (Taira) Asing; Keola Semitekol of San Francisco; Daniel Kaui Chin, Kaipo (Patricia) Chin, and Kaleo Hauata); and 13 great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Kaipo (Pat) Asing of Kauai, and John (Kanani) Asing, and sister, Mapuana Guzman both of Oahu; other siblings, Ellarene Yasuhara, Sylvia Ing, Arlene Kamoe, Maydell Morgan, and Hogarth Asing of Oahu; and numerous nieces and nephews. Maile attended the University of Hawaii and Columbia University (New York) where she graduated with a Masters Degree in Psychology. Her love and passion for her island home and its people was exhibited through her work as a social worker, teacher and finally, HVB Executive Director of Kauai for 43 years. She helped numerous film makers as the Kauai liaison that resulted in movies like Castaway Cowboy, The Hawaiians; Raiders of the Lost Ark; Fantasy Island; Behold Hawaii, Islands in the Stream; and King Kong to name a few. She was the recipient of many awards and testimonials during her life-long career with HVB; Kauai's Living Treasure, Kaumualii Award; Na Wahine Hanohano Award; HVB Maile Award; and resolutions from Governor Ben Cayatano; State of House of Representatives, State Senate and Kauai County Council. By far, her proudest achievement was the founding of the annual Prince Kuhio Festival on Kauai. It was here she always sought to perpetuate traditional Hawaiian values and culture. For this she was chosen by the Kauai Museum to receive the "Living Treasure" award. Maile was best known for her gracious and charming disposition, dazzling smile and trademark spider lily flower. A dedicated and stalwart leader in her community, she had a radiance that embodied her unique spirit and warm Hawaiian hospitality. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be sorely missed but forever loved in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched in the way only Aunty Maile could. Services will be held at Waioli Hui'ia Church, Hanalei, Kauai on Saturday, January 16, 2016. Visitation at 10:00am, service at 11:00am, pa'ina at Waipa to follow after a brief memorial at Hanalei Bay. The family requests no floral arrangements please but lei and loose flowers are welcome.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased