Wife of Hawai‘i County mayoral candidate Kimo Alameda dies

Mayoral candidate Dr. Kimo Alameda is grieving the sudden death of his wife Star who was found unresponsive Friday morning.

Family members and Hawai‘i County EMS personnel attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful. Star was 55 years old.

In a statement, Alameda said: “Star was the light of my life and the backbone of our family. Through everything, she stood right by my side as my number-one supporter and advisor. Her memory will continue to shine on to everyone who was lucky enough to know her.”

When asked about the campaign, Alameda stated that he intends to continue, but “my immediate focus right now is to be with my family as we remember Star. I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers and aloha during this difficult time.”

Star was proud of her seven children, one grandchild, and her large extended island ‘ohana. Before joining her husband on the campaign, she taught reading at E.B. DeSilva Elementary and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Star was well-known in her community for her kindness, generosity, and love of children. “Gentle and soft-hearted”, “a spiritual giant”, “humble and sweet”, “approachable and dedicated” are a few of the hundreds of comments on their Facebook page.

“My mom was everything to us. Always putting the needs of others before her own. We are super sad, but we know she is still guiding us and my dad to do good and to be happy,” shared Angel Alameda, the eldest of Star and Alameda’s seven children.

Born in Hilo, Star was the daughter of the late Herbert Ishibashi and also survived by her mother Mona Ishibashi, brothers Sky (Tina) Ishibashi, Herbert Pua (Gloria) Ishibashi, and sister Roxy Tubbs. Star’s children include Angel Alameda, Kekaulike Alameda, Seizen (Tavita) Ika, Kekaukahi Alameda, Kekaulana Alameda, Kira Alameda, and Kimo Alameda Jr.

Updates on any services or arrangements will be forthcoming.