Paul Isao Sakanoi

Born the youngest of nine to Mineji and Sada Sakanoi in Ola’a, Hawai’i, Paul attended Kea’au Middle School and later graduated from Hilo High School in 1960. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began a career working for Japan Airlines that lasted more than thirty years. In 1971, he married Phyllis (Lani) Enomoto and went on to have two children, Jill and Shane.

Raising his family in Torrance, California, enabled Paul to hold on to his mellow, local style. He loved playing and picking 1950s and 60s music on his ukulele, and his easygoing, affable nature allowed him to make friends wherever he went. Paul will be remembered for the subtle, thoughtful ways he spread kindness to those around him and the funny pieces of trivia he shared to make us all laugh. He will be dearly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Lani) Sakanoi, son, Shane Sakanoi, daughter, Jill Sakoda, son-in-law, Joseph (Joey) Sakoda, sisters, Michie Hasegawa, Tsukiyo (Wendy) Liu, Yaeko (Vickie) Vega and his two beloved grandsons, Kailer Paul Sakoda and Kade Sakoda.

Per Paul’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. He will be interned in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawai’i.