Lynette Kuulei Yau Kut Apana-Niau
(Nov. 30, 1944 – Feb. 23, 2022)
Lynette Apana-Niau (77) passed away surrounded by her ʻohana in Honolulu on Feb. 23, 2022. She was born in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, to Ernest Quon Po (Apo) and Christina Akio Aki Apao Apana. Apana-Niau graduated from Kapaʻa High School and was lovingly called “Aunty Lyn.” Known for her paniolo upbringing she will be remembered as “the gal who loved her horse more than anything else!” She loved to sing “cowboy” tunes and was part of her ʻohana musical group “The Apana Sisters.” During her lifetime, Apana-Niau worked in a number of industries. She started at Kapaʻa Pineapple Cannery and later worked in finance, travel and hotel. She was an entrepreneur whose businesses included a rental car company and a rodeo school/stable. Apana-Niau also served for a time as an ambassador for Hawaiian Airlines’ promotional team and was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2019, she moved to Oʻahu for medical care. Apana-Niau is pre-deceased by her parents and by sisters Carolyn Lou Leimomi Apana, Shirlette Pualani (Donald) Apana-Miike, and Lovey Leinaʻala Apana. She is survived by her children Celine Nelson (Jeff Wong), Stevette (Brad) Santiago, and Floyd (Eva) Niau; by her grandchildren Braeden Santiago, Logan (Yana) Santiago, Nicholas Santiago, Amare Owsley, Louis Samuel Niau and Aikoa Takenaka; by her step-children Kahea White, Jr., Barry, Cody and Zailea White Lawrence; by her siblings Dorna (Justin) Ginden-Mahelona, Beverly (Ernest) Apana-Muraoka, and Russell (Lori) Apana; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 26, 2022 in Las Vegas. For information contact Kumu Hula Beverly Apana-Muraoka (her sister) at 808-822-1451.
 passed away surrounded by her ʻohana in Honolulu on Feb. 23, 2022.){kind=link}