Michael Bernholtz

April 1, 1971– July 25, 2025

With very heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Bernholtz beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us far too soon on July25, 2025 after a courageous battle with Appendix cancer. He was 54.

Born in England and raised mostly in Southern California and settled on Kauai after his retirement from Law Enforcement.

Mike dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community as a law-enforcement officer. His strength, integrity, and compassion touched countless lives, both in and out of uniform. His Blue family was so important to him. He continued to work on Kauai at the Navy Base and was loved and supported by his peers through his work and also his cancer treatments.

When he wasn’t serving others, Mike found peace, therapy and happiness in the ocean. A lifelong waterpolo player & bodysurfer, he could often be found chasing waves, feeling most at home with the saltwater on his face and fins on his feet.

Kauai’s beaches were more than just a place of recreation for him—they were sacred, joyful spaces where he connected deeply with nature and himself.

Mike was as brilliant as he was funny. He had a sharp wit and a quick smile, always ready with a joke or a story that could light up a room. His intelligence was matched only by his warmth. He made everyone feel welcome, valued, and seen.

He was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jeni, his oldest son Clay and daughter in law CJ and their daughter Zoe. His youngest son Graham and his girlfriend Aly.

His beautiful new granddaughter, Zoe, who arrived 40 hours after he departed brought him immense joy in his final months anticipating her arrival into the world. He tried with every effort to make her arrival in person.

He loved his family fully, and his love lives on in all of our hearts.

He will be Zoe’s guardian angel and protector forever.

Mike was an incredible human—strong, kind, and deeply loved by his friends and family. His absence leaves a space no one else can fill, but his memory will continue to guide us every day.

A celebration of his life will be determined later. Details to be shared when his son’s family can travel the long distance with a new baby.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to ACPMP Research Foundation to help find better treatments and options for this rare and horrific disease.