Birth date: Jul 3, 1948 Death date: Mar 9, 2015
Walter “Boy” Panila Kahiwa Jr. 66, of Capt. Cook and Miloli’i, HI, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2015 at Pohai Malama. He was born in Napo’opo’o, HI on July 3, 1948. He was a retired educator for Kamehameha Schools, Honaunau and Read Obituary
Walter was a bright star for me...as a new teacher trying to get the Speech and Debate team off the ground at Damien High School. He always represented our brother up the hill. He was always wonderful to the students...he always made them feel valued. They loved him, as did I. I am so sorry I did not hear of his passing earlier...he is a shining star for me and many
I just learned of Walter's death in a Kamehameha Schools mailing. Walter was a dear friend as we taught together at Kamehameha and stayed in touch for several years when he was living in Captain Cook. He took me and my son, Andrew, on memorable fishing excursions, up to Maunakea complete with air tanks, and one night, to a short eruption at Kilauea crater where we walked across the lava in slippers. That was an experience I will never forget. I left Hawaii in 2001 and we lost touch even though I returned to Hawaii and have lived in Mountain View since 2005. Walter gave me my Hawaiian name, Keahila, which I treasure, along with many other memories. Aloha, Gaynell Fuchs PO Box 1104, Mountain View, HI 96771.
There are so many memories of this wonderful man. He was a beacon of light in a sometimes dark world. thank you Walter for our wonderful trips to Miloli'i where we shared stories of the area and made new memories. I will never forget the laughter and sharing. You became part of our family- and made us part of your life. thank you. love, Cheryl Cotten
Mr. Kahiwa was an educator who taught from the heart. I recall an assignment in which we had to read tongue twisters on the old cassette style tapes. We had to read them from start to finish without stopping the tape. I didn't believe that he could tell. So I stopped and started as I pleased. Unbeknownst to me, he was listening through a headset and each time I stopped the tape, it would stretch it a bit and distort the quality. Each time he heard it, the grade was dropped. My first F! Well, ok, my first F in Speech class. Then when he used to ding us for the verbal queues we used such as "uh" or "ummm" has always stuck in my mind. Public speaking is easy now after his class so many years ago. Rest in peace dear Mr. Kahiwa.
First class I attended in Walter's class.... he threw me out. Went to Judy's class instead. We became friends after that. Lol. I will miss him. Wonderful man. Elaine Goodrich
Walter was my beloved speech teacher at Kamehameha in 1972. He was such a kind and fun man who took many of us under his wing and was such a wonderful mentor. He even took a gang of us to show us his beloved Kona in 1973. I am sorry that we lost touch after that. May he rest in peace. Aloha, Sharlene Tom
My condolences. He taught my children at Konawaena Middle School. He always talked softly and kept a smile on his face. He looked at the kids as his own and taught them as if they were his own. A great educator that will be missed. Aloha Mr. Kahiwa, you will be missed. Cathy Kaneo
Uncle Walter hosted KS Resource Center staff at his home in Milolii about 4 years ago. He took us to visit the memorial plague and as an active genealogy researcher for our `ohana, I noticed several names on the plague in our Keliipio genealogy. Uncle Walter took us to the Keliipio `ohana canoe landing and homestead site. I cherish the moments spent with him and will remember his generosity and aloha forever. Until we meet again...a hui hou Uncle.
