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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Sunday, September 23, 2001

Margaret Kaaua, former county clerk, dead at 92

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Margaret Martin Kaaua, 92, a longtime Hawai'i County political figure, Hilo businesswoman and musician, died Sept. 12.

From 1932-1965, Kaaua served as deputy county clerk or as county clerk, the latter an elected position. Active in the Republican Party on the national, state and county levels, she failed in a bid for Hawai'i County Council in 1968.

Born May 24, 1909, on the Big Island, Kaaua was a member of the prominent Martin family of law enforcement officers. During World War II, when martial law was in effect, she served as a deputy sheriff.

Her father, Henry K. Martin, was county sheriff, and her son, Martin, served on the Big Island police force for 27 years, the last eight as deputy police chief. Her late brother, George Martin, was police chief; another brother, Charles Martin, was a police inspector.

Her late husband, Edward, served as Big Island district engineer for the Territory of Hawai'i.

Francis Benevides, 83, who worked with Kaaua in Republican Party activities, recalling how much she loved children, described her as a "very compassionate and cooperative, a very good, wonderful woman."

Throughout the years, Kaaua volunteered for community groups such as the Hilo Woman's Club and the Easter Seal Society.

Before she began her public career, she performed with the Blue Melody Boys and owned several businesses.

No public services are planned. The family suggests memorial donations to Easter Seals, the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. Condolences may be mailed to P.O. Box 7, Hilo, HI 96721. Dodo Mortuary is handling arrangements.

In addition to her son, Martin, and brother, Charles, Kaaua is survived by a daughter, Mrs. George (Edith Penny) Britto of Hilo; two other brothers, Donald of Hilo and Joseph of Honolulu; and three grandchildren.