Kathleen "Kathy" Muliwai Yvonne Stancil Akau
- Born: Aug. 20, 1944 Honolulu, HI
- Died: April 20, 2024 Kailua, HI
- Buried in Homelani Memorial Park Hilo, HI
- Married: Joseph "Dodi" Porter Umi Akau Jr. on June 9, 1962 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Kathleen "Kathy" Muliwai Yvonne Stancil Akau
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| Kathy's children with Dodi Akau |
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| Joelle Pomaika’i Frances Akau Hussey |
| Joseph “Dodi” Porter Umi Akau III |
| Jodi Piilani Yvonne Tita Akau Kim |
| Josiah Piehu Stancil Akau |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Kathleen "Kathy" Muliwai Yvonne Stancil was born on August 20, 1944, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the only daughter of George Guy Stancil and Frances Kanohola DeMello Peoples.
Her parents' love story began when her father, Guy, a soldier stationed in Hawaii, met her beautiful Hawaiian mother, Frances. While her father passed away on February 25, 1986, her mother, Frances, lived until October 15, 2009.
Kathy grew up with a deep appreciation for family, a value she would carry throughout her life, famously stating, "Ohana is the most important thing in life." Her home was always open to family, including many cousins from across the country, where everyone was made to feel welcome.
Joseph "Dodi" Porter Umi Akau Jr. was born on December 11, 1940, in Hilo, Hawaii, the son of the late Judge Joseph Porter Umi Akau and Isabelle Mau Leialoha Akau.
Kathy and Dodi's enduring love story began when they met as teenagers, when Kathy was just 13 years old. They married the day after Kathy graduated from Roosevelt High School, on June 9, 1962, at the Central Union Church of Honolulu. Their bond lasted for an remarkable 67 years until Dodi's passing in 2021. Together, they enjoyed traveling and making cherished memories, particularly during their frequent trips to Las Vegas, often accompanied by many of their beloved "ohana."
Kathy's professional journey began as a professional hula dancer. Later, embracing a different passion, she founded Family Automotive Service Team (FAST), a successful automotive business that she operated for 33 years until her retirement. Her father, George, had a distinguished career himself, working for the Honolulu Rapid Transit Company for 44 years, retiring as the Superintendent of Operations.
Kathy and Dod had sons Dodi (Brooke) and Josiah; her daughters Tita (Tracy) and Joelle (Kealii); and her grandchildren Poni, Akilah, Alisha (Patrick), Kawailani (Tiffany), Kea Boy (Macey), Piehu (Harley), Alapaki, Alakea (Kaili), Jayce, Alanui, and great-grandchildren Ekahi, Leimomi, Judah, Kanelo, Kaulanakila.
Beyond their life in Hawaii, Kathy maintained strong connections to her mainland family. She attended two Stancil Family Reunions in North Carolina. Her first trip was in September 2006, alongside her mother Frances, and grandsons Josiah Piehu Stancil Akau and Mark Wayne Kalikookala Stancil. She returned in September 2017 with Mark, his wife Cathy, and Michael, Hillary, and Kainoa Stancil, further strengthening family ties.
Dodi dedicated his career to public service, with his "second love" being the Honolulu Police Department. He performed exemplary duties across various units, including Motor Patrol, Vice, and Homicide, before retiring as a Lieutenant of Detectives.
Dodi passed away at the age of 80 on October 3, 2021, in Kailua, Hawaii, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kathy. He is buried in Homelani Memorial Park, Hilo, HI.
Kathy passed away at the age of 79 on April 20, 2024, in Kailua, Hawaii. She is buried next to Dodi in Homelani Memorial Park.
She leaves behind a loving family who continue her legacy of love and unity. Kathy and Dodi's lives together were a testament to their unwavering commitment to family and their enduring love.