Friends join to bid farewell to Keoki Sousa | News, Sports, Jobs

Posted by Carisa Kissane on Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Exuberant shouts erupt and flowers fly in Saturday’s strong Kona winds as Mana’olana Pink Paddlers kahu Trinette Furtado raises the empty basket after spreading Keoki Sousa’s ashes. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Saturday morning in Kealia, members of the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I Kahekili Chapter IV and the Mana’olana Pink Paddlers joined to pay tribute to George Nicholas “Keoki” Sousa with an ashes to sea ceremony. Sousa, who was a member of both organizations, died in October at age 81. Before his passing, he shared the story of his life with his friend, Katie Williams.

At his core, George Nicholas “Keoki” Sousa was a protector, an educator, a healer, a scholar, and a performer. Justice was his lifelong pursuit, and he found many ways to achieve this over his eight-plus decades.

Born on Oahu, Keoki’s greatest influence was his Hawaiian grandfather.  They only conversed in Hawaiian, so it’s no wonder Keoki could pule (pray) in fluent Hawaiian in later years. Keoki loved living in Hawaii, but his family moved to California when he was only eight.  Keoki’s home life was turbulent, but he excelled in school and sports.  He was a natural leader and was captain of the football, wrestling, and gymnastics teams. 

He studied clinical psychology and Asian philosophy at San Jose State University and then received a scholarship to pursue his PhD at nearby Stanford University. With this background he consulted in the field of team building. His first job was with Apple Computer working with “the two Steves;” Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. He worked for many large Silicon Valley corporations and later, the parks of the Western Region of the United States. He also enjoyed working on all the military and naval installations on Oahu.  

In the late 1980s, Keoki moved back to Hawaii, settling on the island of Maui. He became good friends with his neighbor, Emma Kapi’olani Farden Sharpe, the famous hula dancer, kumu (teacher), and cultural leader. He said she treated him like a son, taking him under her wing and guiding him in Hawaiian matters.

Royal Order of King Kamehameha I Kahekili Chapter IV member Burt Freeland shakes hands with David Sousa, brother of Keoki Sousa Saturday. Looking on are Keoki’s son Nicholas Sousa (left) and nephew David Sousa. “It’s amazing,” said Brother David Sousa of the twin ceremonies conducted by the Royal Order and Mana’olana Pink Paddlers. “It blew me away. I guess he was really loved. The outpouring by everyone is wonderful, really amazing.” Son Nicolas added, “I’m really grateful for the gathering of his two social groups.It meant a lot. I know it would have meant a lot to him.” The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

With this inspiration, Keoki started writing grants to help the Hawaiian people. It turns out he was good at it, and he was awarded a $661,000 grant which was reportedly the largest ever given. It was used, in part, to establish Hui No Ke Ola Pono. Its goal was to establish a working relationship between traditional Hawaiian medicinal practitioners and Western medical practitioners.  

Keoki also worked with Na Kahuna La’au Lapa’au O Maui and they quickly made Keoki the president so he could leverage their operations.  Keoki was instrumental in bringing together kupuna from all over the island to share sacred medicinal knowledge that would be lost if it was not properly explained and carefully disseminated. Sadly, all the great kupuna who founded the organization passed away in short order, but the important ancient medicinal knowledge survived.

In the meanwhile, Keoki decided to learn hula. Aunty Emma said he must study with Keali`i Reichel and Uluwehi Guerrero. He said he joined them and enjoyed this chapter of his life until his healing mission took the lead.

Marie Trudeau, a stroke survivor, was a patient of the Hawaiian healing community. Keoki was assigned to be her primary caretaker and that led to a beautiful friendship of almost 30 years. Keoki cared for her at her facility in Lahaina, and later in his own home. He was bereft after her passing in 2021.

Keoki had a distinguished Hawaiian lineage. He was a 12th lineal descendant of Pi’ilani, the king of Maui. Several of his kupuna were buried at the cemetery of the Waiola Church in Lahaina. He enjoyed giving group tours there and throughout the island with various organizations. With his knowledge of history, geography, culture, flora, and fauna, he was a captivating speaker.  

Paddling with Maui Canoe Club and the Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers also brought Keoki Sousa great joy. Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers photo

He also enjoyed his role as a cultural practitioner and was honored to assist the Reverend Ka’alakea during the Blessing Ceremony for both the remodeled Iao Theater and the opening of the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

The Hawaiian community did not overlook his good works. In 2018, he was initiated into the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I Kahekili Chapter IV. He served as their secretary and continued pursuing his grant-writing to improve their headquarters with solar energy, commercial refrigeration, and a new roof. He enjoyed representing this honorable organization, most recently at Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s inaugural ceremony while wearing the full regalia during the processional march. 

Competing on the dance floor with his ballroom dance instructor, Rita O’Connor, was also a joy. Together they won first place in many professional-amateur ballroom competitions.

In his later years, Keoki was devoted to outrigger canoe paddling.  He was victorious in several competitions in the “Over 70” category, but the one he was most proud of was held in Tahiti. The Tahitians were formidable and competing on their home course. Triumphing over them in 2018 was a sweet victory.

Paddling with Maui Canoe Club and the Mana’olana Pink Paddlers also brought him great joy. He felt honored to serve as their kahu and be a part of this special community, though he would never refer to himself as a “kahu” or spiritual healer. He believed all healing comes from God. 

Members of the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I Kahekili Chapter IV arrive in procession for Saturday’s ritual honoring member Keoki Sousa. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

He was at peace on the water, moving with the current, feeling the ocean breezes and inhaling the invigorating air.  Communing with his paddling ‘ohana filled him with joy; whether blowing the conch shell, intoning ancient chants, or relaxing on the beach with his dear teammates.  

He served in his life as he saw fit and left the world a better place. He came full circle with his Hawaiian roots knowing in his soul that his ” ‘iwi” (bones) would be in good hands and safe with his kupuna. It was a blessed journey.

Keoki’s last conversation was with a member of the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I on the night before he died, five days after his 81st birthday. He was happy and had no idea he would pass so soon. He was cremated in the full regalia of the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I, as he had wished.

Mana’olana Pink Paddlers kahu Trinette Furtado speaks during ashes to sea ceremony. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Royal Order of King Kamehameha I Kahekili Chapter IV High Chief Joe Kaniaupio chants during ritual. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

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