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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 12, 2009

3 young crash victims mourned


Maui News

WAILUKU, Maui — Friends, educators and co-workers last week fondly remembered three young men who died in a single-car crash on Kahekili Highway on Sept. 30.

A funeral was held Friday at St. Anthony Church for 20-year-old Na'ilimakuwai'oleokekulamehamehaokaluna'iu'iuokeahua "Na'i" Kana; his 17-year-old brother, Kalamakuokana'auao "Tuku" Kana, both of Waihe'e; and their cousin, 20-year-old Tyson Latham of Wailuku.

A 2004 Mazda sedan driven by Na'i Kana was traveling north on Wilipohaku Street in Waihe'e when it veered off the road, hit an embankment, and overturned, police said.

Police said Na'i Kana died at the scene. Latham, the front-seat passenger, died Oct. 1 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Tuku Kana died Oct. 4, also at Maui Memorial.

Na'i Kana was a Kamehameha Schools graduate and was working at Akaku: Maui Community Television, where he edited the Maui Daily weekly news program. He had a young daughter.

His brother, Tuku, also known as "Kalamaku," was a senior in the Hawaiian-language immersion program at King Kekaulike High School.

Latham, who was working at the county Aquatics Division as a summer lifeguard when he died, was also remembered as respectful, kindhearted and fun, said Fran Yamamoto, an official with the Aquatics Division.

Susan Scofield, principal at King Kekaulike High School, said Kalamaku had many friends and built solid relationships with those at school.

"We are all very sad he didn't have that opportunity to fulfill his dreams," she said. "It's pretty sad when a young person goes so early."

The crash occurred before students left for their fall break. Scofield said school counselors, behavioral health specialists and Maui Police Department chaplains and crisis workers went to the campus the next morning to help students and provide counseling sessions. Counselors remained available to students through the end of the week, she said. Tuku Kana was still alive in critical condition at the time.