James Nalani Alo

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of James (Kimo) Nalani Alo, who passed on January 3rd, 2026, at the age of 74.

James Alo was born on December 3rd, 1951, in Wailuku, Maui, the oldest son of Julia and Joseph Rodigues. To his family, he was known by the nickname Jimmy, later known as Kimo, by his friends. Growing up on Maui, he lived the simple country life. He spent his childhood days hanging out with his brothers and sisters. Iao valley is where they would spend a lot of their time.

Jimmy graduated from Baldwin High School and enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17, serving 8 years during the Vietnam War. A proud Marine, Kimo received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/1*), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (60-), Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Rifle Marksman Badge, and Pistol Marksman Badge.

During his time overseas, Jimmy met his wife, Merlinda, in the Philippines. They had one daughter, Lovella.

In the Marines, he met his best friend, Steve, at KMCAS Base in Kaneohe, Hawaii. With 52 years of friendship, Kimo and Steve worked together, coached together, played sports together, got drunk together, vacationed together, and most of all, got old together.

After the military, Kimo joined the Federal Fire Department in Honolulu.

He was known for his love of sports, playing every single sport except for tennis, and coached pee-wee football. Competitionally, Kimo was known as a powerhouse on the field and a beast of a player.

His friends and family remember him for hosting parties with his wife once a month and entertaining guests at their house through drinks and BBQ. Kimo was the friend you’d call on if you needed help, and you could rely on him to be there for you. No excuses. He was a good time, and no matter the function, he would always have his Budweiser, his drink of choice.

A man of few words who didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, he made sure to live his life the way he wanted to live it. Kimo was known for his generosity, strong work ethic, and spirit of service; when Kimo set his mind to something, that was exactly what he would do.

Kimo was unapologetically himself and didn’t care for others’ judgment. He was stubborn, headstrong, and opinionated. He loved a good debate and was always ready to discuss any topic to prove that he was right.

He moved to Las Vegas in November 2025 to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. Kimo passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

Over the years, Kimo was many things to so many people: son, brother, friend, Marine, firefighter, husband, father, papa.

He is survived by his only daughter, Lovella Abendanio, and her three children, Austin-Ryan (Kekoa), Alexis-Rose (Kuku), and Alexander-Rhys (Tiger); three brothers, and five sisters.

A memorial and private scattering will be held at a later date by the family. There are no services at this time.