Puna community lays 6-year-old victim to rest
By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
PAHOA, Hawai'i — The Puna community last night poured out its love and grief for 6-year-old Kau'ilani Tiarau Tadeo at a family and neighborhood "celebration of life" service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall.
Tim Wright • Special to The Advertiser
The little girl was murdered near her home.
Tumata Tadeo, mother of Kau'ilani Tadeo, receives a hug from one of the hundreds of people who attended the service yesterday for the 6-year-old.
"She was such a very loving girl," said Christine Nerpo of Kea'au, who works with Tumata Tadeo, the child's mother. "I still can't believe this has happened."
Mourners and celebrants from Houston, Tahiti and her Hawaiian Beaches home mourned the loss of the first-grader from Keonepoko Elementary School.
She had her class picture taken and received an A on her homework a few hours before her death.
Her parents, siblings and grandparents shared hugs with the hundreds of mourners who filed past the casket for hours.
The front of the hall was covered with floral displays with the center piece carrying the words: "We'll always love you, Tiarau."
Carmen Kaholoa'a, the child's great aunt, said "the love and support of the community has been amazing. Everybody just wanted to do something. I think it gives them some peace, too."
A one-hour family visitation is scheduled today from 9 to 10 a.m. at the family's home at 15-168 Puni Kahakai in Hawaiian Beaches, followed by burial at the Pahoa Catholic Cemetery.
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| Huge floral displays and photos were abundant at the memorial service for 6-year-old Kau'ilani Tadeo yesterday at Pahoa Catholic Church in Pahoa, Hawaii.
Tim Wright • Special to The Advertiser |
An 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday program will be held at the Aloha Center in Pahoa town. Church groups and musicians will appear at the benefit. There is no admission, but a collection for the family will be taken. For more, call Ku'ulei Snyder at (808) 961-8533. Snyder is serving as liaison on behalf of County Councilman Gary Safarik of Puna.
A dancing and singing benefit to assist the family is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Hilo Civic Auditorium. Pua Tokumoto of PuaTahiti productions is coordinating the program.
Tickets are on sale at $15 for adults and $10 for children under 10. For more, call Tokumoto at (808) 935-3002.
Kau'ilani's body was found in a vacant house not far from her home at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 27. She was found by a police officer who had joined other authorities in a search for the missing girl.
A 14-year-old from Pahoa High and Intermediate School was arrested Sept. 29 and has been charged with murder and two counts of sexual assault.
The boy has been detained in a juvenile facility on O'ahu since his arraignment Oct. 1 in Family Court.
