Marbeth Kanoelani Akau Aquino
Dec. 2, 1954 – July 24, 2026
Marbeth Kanoelani Akau Aquino, 71, of Waimānalo, Oʻahu, passed away on July 24, 2026, in Honolulu. A graduate of Kailua High School Class of 1972, she worked at the House of Music at Ala Moana, First Hawaiian Bank, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and retired from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands after 30 years as an applications clerk. She was an avid researcher, helping many families qualify for their homestead. Genealogy was her passion, especially our ʻohana genealogy. Growing up, whether at home, visiting on the weekends, or at ʻohana gatherings, she was always surrounded by ʻohana.
A wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunty, and friend. She is predeceased by her parents Robert Saint Sr. and Lucy Noelani Lonomaaikanaka Milikaa Mia Akau; brother Paul Holualoa Akau; and husband, Rogelio “Roger” Villalon Aquino. She is survived by sons Holualoa, Koii (Ashley), and Kamakanaokealoha; grandchildren Azariah Maiava, Sarai Maiava, Uriah Maiava, Ilia Maiava-Aquino, Eliana Maiava-Aquino, Haven Hanawahine-Aquino, and Kamu Kalahiki; brothers Robert S. Akau Jr. and Alan-Doiron (Lorrena) K. Akau; sister Jonnett P. Akau-Aliifua; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Two days of celebration of life will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel. Thursday, October 8: Visitation at 3:30 p.m. and Service at 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 9: Visitation at 9:00 a.m., Service at 10:00 a.m. and Committal at 1:00 p.m.
Denise K. L. K. Foster
Jan. 25, 1971 – Aug. 4, 2026
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs mourns the tragic loss of Denise Foster, a Native Hawaiian māhū and member of our lāhui who was murdered while incarcerated at Hālawa Correctional Facility on Aug. 4, 2026.
Denise was a non-violent offender housed with violent offenders. She deserved to live with dignity, be treated with aloha, and be safe while in state custody.
Denise’s voice mattered. During her time in custody, she reached out to Ka Wai Ola newspaper, and OHA had the privilege of hearing from her and responding to her. We are heartbroken that she is no longer here to share her voice and manaʻo.
Our deepest aloha and condolences are extended to Denise’s ʻohana, loved ones, and to all those who knew and cared for her. We also hold close the many community members who are grieving her loss.
The loss of any member of our lāhui while in state custody is devastating. Every paʻahao deserves dignity, humanity, and safety. OHA has long advocated for meaningful prison and criminal justice reform, and we will continue this work with urgency.
Denise deserved to be protected. She deserved to come home.
We honor Denise’s life and her place within our lāhui. We will continue to advocate for a corrections system that respects the dignity of every Kanaka to ensure this kind of tragedy is never repeated.
