Kapiolani "Dolly" Jocelyn Ku Naiwi's Obituary
Kapiolani "Dolly" Naiwi Obituary
KAPIOLANI “DOLLY” JOCELYN KU NAIWI passed away at Queen’s Hospital in Ewa Beach on Friday, October 4, 2019. Born on November 5, 1949, she was the youngest and only daughter of six siblings.
Daughter of Jacob Paul Kauia’a Ku Jr. of Wahiawa and Emma Victoria Maele Kapowai Ku of Honolulu, she grew up for a short time at Kam IV Housing in Kalihi with her five older brother’s Jacob John Ku Sr., Dwight Lawrence Ku, Hartwell Abraham Kapowai Ku, Sr., Lincoln Paialua Ku and Carter Ku. Everyone called her “Dolly”.
In 1954, she moved with her family to Nanakuli where their ohana converted the former Wilson’s School on Hawaiian Homestead at Pohakunui Avenue into their first home. Growing up near the quiet cove Cornwells and the big surf of Keaulana, she attended Aiea Elementary and was a proud graduate of Farrington High Schools Class of 1967. In 1964, while cruising at Nanakuli Beach Park she met Lincoln Philip Naiwi Sr. of Waianae whom she married and had six children with; four daughters Lena, Jaycine, Gwenevere and Nicole, and two sons Lincoln Naiwi Jr. and Marcus. Kapiolani “Dolly” Jocelyn Ku Naiwi was an extraordinary and phenomenal woman that was active in her community. She volunteered as President of Nanakuli Pop Werner Association, was the Manager of Makakilo Bobby Sox, President of Nanakuli Athletics Booster Club. For 10 years, she gave to the community of Nanakuli all while raising her young children. By the time Dolly attended Kapiolani Community College she was 30 years old. She was able to complete a Medical Transcription Certificate, with a goal to get a college degree to help her family with the financial responsibilities by becoming an Educator. In 1989, she began working as a part-time employee at Nanakuli High and Intermediate and eventually moved into a long-term substitute teaching position from 1991-1994. In 1995 she became a permanent Educational Assistant at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. She later enrolled at Leeward Community College, spending another 4 years to complete her degree, all while holding a full-time job and again, raising a family. She graduated on May 9, 2005, and it was one of the best days of her life. She finally fulfilled her dream of attaining a Associates Degree in Liberal Arts; She continued to serve her community after receiving her degree by becoming a Nanakuli High School Grad Nite Coordinator, former candidate for the Board of Education, former officer of Nanakuli High Intermediate School Parent Teacher Student Association, former officer of School Community Based Management, School Community Council and President of the Nanaikapono Hawaiian Civic Club. Dolly was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt loved by her family and friends. She will forever be missed.
Preceded in death by her parents Jacob P. K. Ku Jr. and Emma Victoria Maele Kapowai Ku, and her three brothers, Jacob J. Ku Sr., Hartwell Ku Sr., Lincoln Ku and grand-daughter Phairin K. Hicks. She is survived by her sweetheart and husband of 51 years Lincoln P. Naiwi Sr., daughter’s Lena Esteban (Rico), Jaycine Hicks (Bob), Gwen Mercado (Dale), Nicole Kotrys (Phil); son’s Lincoln Naiwi Jr. (Dawn) and Marcus Naiwi; brother’s Dwight Ku and Carter Ku; grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunties, cousins and friends.
Dolly’s Life Celebration will be held at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesday November 5, 2019 at Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Casual Attire. Flowers welcome.
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