Fund established for son of Kahala homicide victim
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
A trust fund has been set up for an 8-year-old boy whose mother was stabbed to death at a Kahala townhouse this month.
Family photo provided by the French Consulate
Friends of Etienne Kaala Yim and his mother, Isabelle Yim-Mortier, want to ensure the boy will be able to have a good start in life as his mother had intended. They hope the fund will cover his education and other expenses.
Etienne Yim's father died of cancer Dec. 11. On March 12, his 38-year-old mother was stabbed to death.
The boy's father, Brian Kaala Yim, had been divorced from Yim-Mortier for several years. He died of cancer Dec. 11. Three months later, on March 12, the 38-year-old mother was stabbed. Etienne ran to a nearby home of a police officer to get help.
Yim-Mortier's ex-boyfriend, Henry Lagmay, 38, was arrested and indicted by an O'ahu grand jury on a murder charge.
Yim's family took in the boy after his mother's death. Patricia Lee, honorary French consul in Hawai'i, said she helped to find Etienne's relatives in France.
Lee said Yim-Mortier will be buried in France, her birthplace.
"She was an excellent mother," said Simon Wilford, whose child attended Star of the Sea School with Etienne. "Her son is so well-behaved. She was always concerned about his education."
Wilford said his son, Brandon Wilford, studied French in a class Yim-Mortier taught at Star of the Sea. A little over a year ago, Yim-Mortier left that job, Simon Wilford said. Etienne transferred to Kahala Elementary School.
"I think she will be remembered by everyone who knew her as an excellent mother," Wilford said. "She was always keen on having the best for her son. The best education. The best upbringing."
John Razonable, whose son also was one of Etienne's playmates, said when Etienne started attending Kahala Elementary, his mother investigated special, after-school classes to make sure Etienne kept up with his studies.
Those who wish to contribute to the Friends of Etienne Yim Trust Fund may leave donations at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.
Checks written to the fund may be mailed to Merrill Lynch, Pauahi Tower, 28th Floor, 1001 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Contributions may also be made online by visiting the Web site: www.kumo.net/etienne.
