Aloha for James (Kimo) Hyde

Aloha ʻĀina Kākou,

My name is Hiʻilei Manoʻi-Hyde, and I am the eldest of the Manoʻi-Hyde ʻohana. Our ʻohana consists of our mother, Cassandra Denise Kamanaʻolana and our father, James Homer Hyde Jr., my brothers Laʻakea, Kepaʻalani, and Kaheana, and my only sister Keahipulelookaʻauea. Our ʻohana has expanded with our significant others and six moʻopuna (grandchildren). The most important aspect of our upbringing that continues to foster the growth we experience is the love our parents have for the Lord. Raising us in the gospel has been their most significant accomplishment and providing us with the opportunity to know Jesus Christ. Through their most remarkable examples of being steadfast parents always comes hardship and adversity.

When I was a young girl, I remember my father, James Homer Hyde Jr., always going to work. He dedicated almost 26 years to the Bus Company and the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama as a driver. The lives he touched in these moments of his working career gave him many memories of people and places that will never be forgotten. Although I recall my father always being at work, he never missed any special event in our lives. My father could be counted on from school performances to hula competitions, football and basketball games, and academic achievements. I never knew such a dedicated person, and I am proud to call him my daddy.

In 2012, he suffered a severe heart attack that almost took his life. He fought long and hard and was put in a coma for three days. This event was one of the most trying times in our family because our hero was fighting to stay alive. It was a challenging moment. This event made my father unable to drive anymore and needed a pacemaker and defibrillator to aid his heart. As we fast-forward to the year 2022, my father’s condition worsened. He is now in need of a heart transplant. Medical expenses are never an easy aspect of life, so this GoFundMe is necessary. Our father has been approved as a candidate for a new heart and will travel to California for his procedure. In these efforts to support our father, all contributions from this GoFundMe will help our ʻohana pay for medical expenses. We would appreciate any efforts of support in this matter and know that we will reach our financial goals for Dad. Please stand with us as we embark on this life-saving journey.