WAIPI'O — Former Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura was remembered yesterday as a leader and man who focused on the good in those around him, friend or stranger.

"He focused on the blessings rather than the negatives. He looked at people's strengths rather than their weaknesses," said Pastor George Nagato, a friend of Nakamura's since the two met in the sixth grade at Kalihi Kai Elementary. "God weaved him, his personality, his temperament, and his skills."

More than 400 people came to Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary last night to pay final respects to Nakamura, who died April 1 at age 58.

Mourners filled the mortuary's Mauka chapel and a long line of well-wishers filtered through the hall greeting Nakamura's family. People began lining up at 4:30 p.m., two hours before the service started.

"We're all deeply saddened by his loss. He was a good man and a great leader," said Ron Taketa, head of the Hawaii Carpenters Union and a former police commissioner who helped appoint Nakamura as chief in 1990. "Even in retirement he continued to teach and take classes and I really respect him for that."

"Absolute sincerity, I think it pervaded his whole world," said the Rev. Vincent O'Neill, HPD's chaplain, who first met him 30 years ago when Nakamura took a class from O'Neill.

Earlier, more than 200 officers in full uniform lined both sides of Beretania Street in front of police headquarters to salute as Nakamura's ashes, carried by family members, were driven past. A procession of motorcycle officers led the way and the department's helicopter buzzed overhead.

"He made me feel proud to wear the badge," said Detective Gary Lahens, as he stood on Beretania Street after the procession passed. "I think he was one of the greatest chiefs I ever worked for."

'RICH BEYOND HIS MEANS'

Everyone attending the memorial service yesterday was given a red rose because one of Nakamura's favorite sayings was, "Stop and smell the roses."

At one point during the service, the crowd in the chapel raised their roses toward Nakamura's memorial and recited that phrase.

"I'm sure Dad would want everybody to enjoy each other," said Reid Nakamura, one of his two sons.

Three of Nakamura's nieces sang "Because You Love Me," and Karen Keawehawai'i, a classmate from his years in Kalihi, played "White Sandy Beach."

"This man was rich beyond his means and he had a sense of humor," she said.

Pastor Norman Nakanishi, another Nakamura friend and fellow Farrington High School alumnus, was one of more than 40 people who stood by Nakamura after doctors turned off life support April 1. Nakamura passed on the way he lived, Nakanishi said, "larger than life."

"He was very lucid and very humorous," he said. "He looked up as he was lying down and said, 'I'm not afraid, I'm ready.' "

"As you can see, Chief Michael Nakamura had an impact on many, many lives," Nakanishi said, gesturing toward the packed pews.

Nakamura would have turned 59 on April 9.

Long after his retirement from the department on Dec. 30, 1997, Nakamura was still referred to around town as "Chief." He was famous for always calling every HPD employee on their birthdays. During his final moments of life he whispered to his youngest son, Keola, to remember to call Nakamura's Auntie Sachie on her birthday.

The eldest of three brothers, Nakamura was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a condition he shared with his siblings. The condition caused his muscles to twist, contort and lock uncontrollably.

RODE IN A SCOOTER

The son of a carpenter, Nakamura was raised in Kalihi. His mother worked at Love's Bakery and a neighborhood grocery store.

One year before his retirement after 28 years with HPD, Nakamura had begun using a $2,500 scooter given to him by the Police Relief Association.

After he took off the uniform, Nakamura threw himself into mentoring a former gang member; obtaining a master's degree in arts and organizational management from the University of Phoenix; and pursuing an unsuccessful 2002 run for City Council, in which Nakamura campaigned to improve services for people with disabilities.

On Sept. 29, 2004, Nakamura was navigating his scooter across Lanikuhana Avenue in Mililani when he was hit by a car driven by Anthony G. Pearce II, who fled the scene.

Pearce faced a maximum 10 years in prison, but was sentenced instead to five years' probation and ordered to pay $4,647 in restitution at the rate of $25 a month.

The accident left Nakamura with two broken legs. The fractures released fat emboli into his system, which led to mini-strokes that affected his arms and legs.

'NO ANGER'

In an interview last year, Nakamura said, "there is no anger (toward Pearce). He came to visit me right after, but I wasn't conscious. ... I'm glad he took responsibility for what happened."

After the collision, Nakamura could not leave home on his own. He relied on constant care from his wife and son Keola.

Nakamura is survived by his wife, Carol; sons Reid and Keola; mother, Nancy; brothers Morris and Glenn; and sister, Audrey Morales.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.