Aloha and Last Alarm
UPCOMING
Retired HAWAII County Fire Equipment Operator (FEO) Darrel Sato
Friday, July 10
Dodo Mortuary in Hilo
Visitation from 1630-1800
Services to follow
The Hawaii County Fire Department announces the passing of FEO Darrel Sato, age 71. FEO Sato served over 25 years with Hawaiʻi Fire Department until his retirement in December of 2013. A service held on Friday, July 10, at Dodo Mortuary in Hilo. Visitation will be open from 1630-1800 with services to follow.
Retired Hawaii County Fire Fighter George Sugi
The family of George Sugi announced his passing on May 6, 2026. FF Sugi retired from the Hawaii Fire Department on June 30, 1985. Services will be shared when details become available. Our condolences to the Sugi Family.
2026
Retired Honolulu Fire Captain Albert Young
The late Captain Young passed away on March 6, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department on February 24, 1975, and served 25 years. His last assignment was with Quint 12, 3rd Platoon. A private service was held.
Retired Honolulu FF III Abraham Aiona
The late FF Aiona passed away on April 8, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on March 16, 1972, and served 22 years 9 months. His last assignment was with Tender 30, 1st Platoon. Service was held on June 6, 2026 at St. George Catholic Church, Waimānalo.
RETIRED HONOLULU FIRE FIGHTER (FF) III ROBERT CHO
The late FF Robert Cho passed away on March 30, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department on November 18, 1974, and served 25 years. His last assignment was with Tanker 28, 2nd Platoon. A private service was held.
Retired Honolulu Fire Fighter (FF) III Eben Kalaʻau Jr.
The late FF Kalaʻau Jr. passed away on January 9, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on June 1, 1961, and served 27 years 10 months. His last assignment was with Engine 1, 3rd Platoon. Service was held on May 3, 2026 at the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616.
Retired Hawaii Fire Fighter Wendell David Branco
The Hawaii Fire Department announced the passing of retired Firefighter Wendell David Branco on January 20, 2026. FF Branco served 25 years, from May 18, 1969 to December 30, 1994. His final assignment was at the Waimea Fire Station. Firefighter Branco lived a long life, passing at the age of 83. A service was held on Saturday, February 28 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Kalopa Rd., Honoka’a.
Retired Honolulu FF1 James Higa
The late FF Higa passed away on January 9, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department on August 16, 1965, and served 25 years 4 months. His last assignment was with Engine 33, 1st Platoon. A private service was held.
Retired Honolulu FF1 Matthew Afong
The late FF Afong passed away on January 30, 2026. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on April 1, 1969, and served 25 years 1 month. His last assignment was with Engine 8, 3rd Platoon. His burial was held on March 14, 2026, at the Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery.
RETIRED HONOLULU FIRE FIGHTER (FF) II ROBERT HEU
The late FF Heu passed away on December 14, 2025. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department on April 1, 1969, and served 24 years 8 months. His last assignment was with the Fire Communication Center (formerly the Fire Alarm Bureau), D Shift. A private service was held
Retired Honolulu Fire Fighter I Riley Medeiros
The late FF Medeiros passed away on December 9, 2025. He was appointed to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) on May 16, 1969, and served 23 years 1 month. His last assignment was with Engine 12, 3rd Platoon. Services were held on February 20, 2026 at The Cathedral of St. Andrew. Burial followed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
In Memoriam by Years
