11-27-2025, 08:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-27-2025, 08:14 PM by Rob Tucker.)
I am sad to announce that Steve Hirakami died yesterday morning from short run with pancreatic cancer. Steve was a pillar of our Puna community and the founder and Director of Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science (HAAS).
He was a local boy with a long history in surfing. His professional center was education of our keiki. All that Steve had within him was devoted to the benefit of the community. And he had a lot to contribute.
Steve was honest, sincere, smart and experienced and he offered his abilities and aloha evenly to the everyone.
This is heart breaking news. Steve was my friend and he will be sorely missed. He leaves a legacy of contributions, kindness and good will.
So I ask you all to give him a moment of respect and appreciation. He was and is loved.
Mahalo.
He was a local boy with a long history in surfing. His professional center was education of our keiki. All that Steve had within him was devoted to the benefit of the community. And he had a lot to contribute.
Steve was honest, sincere, smart and experienced and he offered his abilities and aloha evenly to the everyone.
This is heart breaking news. Steve was my friend and he will be sorely missed. He leaves a legacy of contributions, kindness and good will.
So I ask you all to give him a moment of respect and appreciation. He was and is loved.
Mahalo.