A Tribute to TJ Perreira: The DJ, My Heart, Our Friend

The Story

How do you sum up a man whose laugh could fill a room and whose heart was as vast as the ocean?

On March 15th, 2026, I lost Thomas Jared Kamakaokalani Perreira—known to most as TJ, but to me, he was "Teej".

He had the most beautiful soul and a light that was warm and gentle yet courageous. He embodied a young and handsome individual, with a smile so grand, who possessed an innocent demeanor, touching the spirit of every person he came across. He'd make a new friend every day and attached himself to those he met with a kind heart and selflessness. That was the person who I had met almost five years ago. The day we met also became the day we were inseperable.

He was a son of the Big Island, raised in Kamuela and born from a proud line of Paniolo inseparable. TJ adored his childhood and his most fond memories were growing up at their farm with all the animals where he felt most loved and happy memories

TJ’s journey was one of incredible resilience. Having navigated the challenges of the foster care system through his youth, he carried deep scars, but he refused to let them define him. He made a conscious choice to turn his direction toward the light, living life exactly how he wanted. After his graduation from Keaau High School he made his best efforts and moved to Oahu and start a life full of a promising future of endeavors. Tj later became a fixture in the music scene in Waikiki and found his love for music had help navigate his life and cope with a lot of decisions and grief that was happening to him. his love for music was undying. there would not be a day that you couldn't hear or know where he was at because he always had music with him where ever he traveled. Most importantly, he became the rock of our home in Kalaeloa.

He spent his life dreaming of the international stage, pouring his soul into Dub House and Tech Trap music. To TJ, music wasn't just a hobby; it was his lifeline—the cure for his soul and the rhythm he used to find peace when the world felt loud.

Beyond the music, TJ was a protector by nature. You could see his heart most clearly in the bond he shared with everyone he came across especially our two loyal dogs, Lucky and Ike. He was a man defined by a "shadow bond" with the boys; Lucky never left his side, and he carried the responsibility of their care with a quiet, steady pride. To them, he wasn't just a master; he was their whole world, and the devotion they shared was a testament to his capacity to love and provide.

For the past five years, we've seen the ups and downs and were challenged by many obstacles but I made sure I wmcould stay strong and built a sanctuary together in Kalaeloa—a place filled with love, music, and dreams. Within these walls, TJ underwent a remarkable transformation. He was a work in progress who eventually became a masterpiece of his own. He did the hard work of looking inward, turning his scars into wisdom and his trauma into a profound, gentle peace. As he was finding his higher self, he reached a level of clarity that allowed him to love more abundantly than ever before. He also opened my eyes to this and made me see things in a different way.

He would surprise me with flowers, thoughtful gifts, and handwritten notes. His smile was a delight, and his eyes told a story every time he looked at me—innocent, soft, and comforting. Together, we faced every challenge with determination, and I do pray that he left this world having found the peace he worked so hard to achieve.

The Purpose

Following his sunset, we are preparing a Celebration of Life at Nimitz Beach to honor the man he was. We want to send him off in the place where he felt most free—surrounded by the waves, the music he loved, and the people who truly saw his heart.

Your donations will go directly toward:

The Celebration of Life: Funding the memorial at Nimitz Beach and the cremation services.

Lucky and Ike’s New Chapter: Ensuring TJ’s beloved dogs are cared for and safely relocated to their new forever home. Moving two large dogs involves significant costs for specialized transport; ensuring they are settled is the final way we can honor TJ’s devotion to them.

Final Affairs: Helping us settle the final arrangements of the life we built together.

TJ always looked out for everyone else first. Now, it’s our turn to look out for him. Even a small donation or a share of this page means the world to us and helps keep his melody playing.

Mahalo for being part of TJ's story