Help Lay Kamakea to Rest - A Life Taken Too Soon

Aloha,

I'm creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my sister who is going through the roughest time in her life. I'm sure you've all been aware there was a recent shooting in Nanakuli where my nephew Kamakea, who was only 17 years old, lost his life.

Kamakea was taken by EMS to Queen's Medical Center with a gunshot wound on 9/06/25 and was put in ICU in critical condition, where he remained on life support until 9/08/25. A neurologist confirmed Kamakea was "brain dead" due to his injury. It is still unknown what his medical bills are at this time, but we are certain these types of emergencies are beyond any medical coverage Kamakea has.

While dealing with the loss of her son, she's not only dealing with the emotional distress but she's left with the burden to lay her son to rest, which we all know is costly. Especially for my sister who's a single mom, whom you all may know from social media as one of the most inspirational female truck drivers. With that being said, Mahea has taken time off from her job driving truck and her income has come to a pause.

Kamakea is Mahea's second oldest son/child, whom she cared for along with his 3 siblings as a single parent. She always went above and beyond to care for them regardless of whether she received additional support or not. Kamakea was just 2 years old when she decided to become a full-time truck driver to support her kids. Kamakea even went on the road with her last summer break to assist his mom at work while she was pregnant with anything strenuous so she could continue driving. Kamakea's heart was so big, and we can't imagine why anyone would want to take his life.

Kamakea was on track to graduate this year through Waianae High School's alternative educational program "Papahana o Kaiona." Being in the program gave Kamakea a love for his culture and community. It molded him further into the loving and respectful person we all know. His identity, individuality, personality, and character evolved being in the program, and my sister has the utmost amount of gratitude for the staff whom Kamakea viewed as family.

Unfortunately, instead of planning a graduation, my sister is left planning a funeral service, and it breaks our entire family's heart that we won't be seeing Kamakea reach that milestone. Kamakea had goals of being a heavy equipment operator like his dad, and he was robbed of that opportunity.

My sister struggles not only with the loss of her son but with the details of his murder. It's something no parent could possibly stomach. I mentioned that Mahea has taken off from work until further notice, so I'm hoping to raise enough to financially cover her days off so she can heal and be strong enough to return to work.

No mother should ever have to bury her child. For anyone who is wanting to help Mahea during this difficult time with the loss of her beloved son Kamakea, we appreciate it so much.

Kamakea was loved by many and he will forever be missed.