Christian Keahihauoli Kozlowski

“Each life that touches ours for good [leaves a lasting footprint upon the heart].” Karen Lynn Davidson

Christian KeahiHauoli Kozlowski

February 4, 1969 – May 26, 2026

Christian dedicated over 36 years of his life to Hawaiian Telcom, starting his career on August 24, 1987, and retiring the day after his 55th birthday on February 5, 2024.

Throughout his career, he worked across the islands from Oahu, to Kauai (during Hurricane Iniki), on to the Big Island (Hilo and Kona), and finally, Maui. (One of his last assignments working with Hawaiian Telcom was helping victims of the Lahaina Wildfires to stay connected to family and friends.)

Known as "Hard Hat" to his colleagues, Christian was fiercely union-strong and lived by the motto F.I.L.O. (First In, Last Out). Remembering how the "old timers" took him under their wing. Christian made it his mission to always protect the underdog and rarely missed a union meeting, even in retirement. He always came home expressing immense gratitude for the brotherhood and lifelong friendships he found within the union.

Affectionately known as "Hauoli Boy" by his family, "Uncle Ubba" by his nieces and nephews, and "Papa Chris" by his Maui ‘ohana, Christian loved a good cigar, found peace in fishing, and proudly caught his "unicorn fish"—the Mū—on Maui.

Christian was born on February 4, 1969 at the Kaiser Hospital on the island of O‘ahu in Honolulu to Nicholas and Antoinette Kozlowski. He graduated from Honolulu’s Kalani High School with the class of 1987.

On June 6, 2014 Christian met Jlorra Pualani Basbas of Waihe‘e, Maui. They were married seven years later on June 6, 2021 in Kahului, Maui.

Christian was preceded in death by his first wife Samuelin Auld of O‘ahu. He is survived by his parents Nicholas and Antoinette Kozlowski of Kailua, O‘ahu, his brother Alexander “Alex” (Michelle) Kozlowski of Honolulu, O‘ahu, his sisters Conchita “Keaka” (Steven) Mendoza, Laus (Devin) Amii both of Kailua, O‘ahu. Christian is survived by his wife Jlorra Pualani, and his sons Jacob “Jake” (Cherissa) Auld, Flavio (Season) Gonzalez, JoeAnthony (Daysha) Aguilar all of Wailuku, Maui, Angel (preceded in death), and his daughters Athena (David) Aguilar of Kihei, Maui, and Selena (Vanalynn) Aguilar of Hilo, Hawai‘i. Christian has twelve grand-children, Riah, Remy, Jarren (Mele), Jaylin, Jelissa, Ikaika, Joe, Ellysia, Kawika, Kau‘ionalani, Kaipo, Thea, and one on the way.

We want to send our deepest appreciation and warmest Aloha for your kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Borthwick Mortuary, 1330 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, O‘ahu. Viewing and services is at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and cremation to follow. Island Maui services pending.

Hard Hat, Hauoli Boy

He answered every morning call,

With calloused hands and shoulders tall.

Through wind and rain, through sun and storm,

He gave his all, steadfast and warm.

From Oʻahu's streets to Kauaʻi's skies,

Where Iniki tested hearts and lives.

To Hilo's rain, Kona's golden shore,

Then Maui, where his spirit soared.

They knew him there as "Hard Hat" strong,

A union man his whole life long.

"First In, Last Out"—the words he'd keep,

A promise held, steadfast and deep.

He stood beside the ones in need,

Not seeking praise for selfless deeds.

He fought for fairness, raised his voice,

Because protecting others was his choice.

At home another name he'd wear—

"Hauoli Boy," beyond compare.

"Uncle Ubba," laughter's guide,

"Papa Chris," with endless pride.

A good cigar, the ocean's song,

A fishing line where he belonged.

And when the Mū at last took fight,

His smile shined brighter than the light.

Though hard hats rest and tools grow still,

His strength remains upon each hill.

In every wave and island breeze,

In brotherhood and family.

For love like his will never end;

A son, father, uncle, brother, friend.

His legacy lives, strong and true—

In every heart he carried through.

So, when the morning sun meets sea,

We'll hear your laughter on the breeze.

A life well lived, a soul set free,

Forever part of Hawaiʻi.