Streets bear names of fallen Marines
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Family — and the Marines — don't forget their own.
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie yesterday attended a Marine Corp Base Hawai'i ceremony in which three streets were dedicated to Marines from Hawai'i who died in Vietnam.
Forty members of Sgt. Sisifo Faleafine's family yesterday came from as far as American Samoa for the dedication of a new street in the fallen Marine's honor at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i at Kane'ohe.
Faleafine, who spent his teen years in Honolulu and went to McKinley High School, was killed by shrapnel on Jan. 10, 1968, in Quang Tri, South Vietnam, at age 25.
"I still go to see him all the time up at Punchbowl," said his brother Lui, 52, who lives in Pearlridge. "Sisifo is always in our heart."
As part of the opening of 184 new base homes for junior enlisted Marines in the Pa Honua complex, the Marine Corps dedicated three streets — Shimabukuro Place, Kekahuna Place and Faleafine Place — in honor of three Marines from Hawai'i who died in the Vietnam War.
"This is a great honor for my family," said Herbert Shimabukuro, whose brother Kenyu died while on operations with an advisory team. "After we are long gone there will still be a street name — Shimabukuro — and for that, we're very proud."
Gunnery Sgt. Kenyu Shimabukuro, who graduated from Hilo High School, was eligible for discharge in October 1968. He had begun the process to re-enlist when the armored personnel carrier in which he was riding was hit by rocket fire on Aug. 22, 1968, in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam.
Sgt. William Kekahuna
Sgt. Sisifo Faleafine
Gunnery Sgt. Kenyu Shimabukuro
"Because of the time span, I think we got over the death of my brother, but it's sad that my mother passed away last year and couldn't be here to attend," said Herbert Shimabukuro, 61.
About 20 members of the Shimabukuro family attended the dedication.
A similar number of relatives of Sgt. William Kekahuna also were among the approximately 300 people, including Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, who came out for the site blessing, dedication and untying of maile lei in the new housing complex.
Kekahuna, who went to St. Louis High School, had served in the Marine Corps for 10 years when he was killed on May 6, 1968, in Quang Nam, South Vietnam.
About three years ago, the Marine Corps started naming new streets and facilities after fallen Marines.
As part of the $40.9 million phase of the housing development, 172 three-bedroom units and 12 four-bedroom units with glazed concrete tile roofing, central air and garages are being opened. Later this year, construction will begin on an additional 200 units.
Brig. Gen. J.C. McAbee, commanding general for Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, said quality of life enhancements like the new housing "significantly contribute to family readiness and (Marine) retention, which translates to what the American people expect most from their Marine Corps — combat readiness."
McAbee also said that "by dedicating a piece of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in (memory of Kekahuna, Shimabukuro and Faleafine), these Marines, who no longer live with us, will continue to live within us."
Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.
