Johnson-Salbosa Family Support Fund
Donation protected
We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that Hokuala Kari Johnson unexpectedly passed away on July 2, 2020. The Johnson-Salbosa Family Support Fund has been set up by friends of the family to support Hokuʻs wife, Lasha Salbosa, and their two daughters, Hiwa and Kai, as they navigate this unbelievably challenging time.
Born and raised on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, Hoku’s favorite place was her kupuna’s house on the North Shore, where she spent much of her time. She loved the ocean - being in it and on it - surfing, paddling, rowing, swimming, sailing. This was who she was and her life’s work -- paddling at Hui Nalu Canoe Club from the age of 10, then paddling, swimming and playing waterpolo for Punahou throughout high school, and even rowing with frozen eyelashes at Colby College in Maine -- she was a water baby! She started at NOAA in 2005, where she was instrumental in shaping and supporting Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. In 2015, she moved to NOAA Fisheries Science Center to lead the Science Operations Division’s Technical Services Program. NOAA and Papahānaumokuākea are also how Hoku met her wife Lasha. They married in 2016. Hoku brought laughter and joy wherever she went . . . and she shared that with her two little girls - who she was constantly entertaining and surrounding with warmth, pride, and love. Hoku was deeply beloved by so many for so many reasons. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed.
This fund will be used to support Lasha and the girlsʻ immediate needs, including child care, rent, and basic necessities. Remaining funds will be used for Kai and Hiwa’s education.
On behalf of Lasha, Hiwa, and Kai, we thank you for all of your support and love. As Memorial Service details are determined, we will be reaching out to folks to let them know. In the meantime, we encourage you to leave a message on this page for Lasha to read and share with their daughters in the future.
Born and raised on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, Hoku’s favorite place was her kupuna’s house on the North Shore, where she spent much of her time. She loved the ocean - being in it and on it - surfing, paddling, rowing, swimming, sailing. This was who she was and her life’s work -- paddling at Hui Nalu Canoe Club from the age of 10, then paddling, swimming and playing waterpolo for Punahou throughout high school, and even rowing with frozen eyelashes at Colby College in Maine -- she was a water baby! She started at NOAA in 2005, where she was instrumental in shaping and supporting Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. In 2015, she moved to NOAA Fisheries Science Center to lead the Science Operations Division’s Technical Services Program. NOAA and Papahānaumokuākea are also how Hoku met her wife Lasha. They married in 2016. Hoku brought laughter and joy wherever she went . . . and she shared that with her two little girls - who she was constantly entertaining and surrounding with warmth, pride, and love. Hoku was deeply beloved by so many for so many reasons. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed.
This fund will be used to support Lasha and the girlsʻ immediate needs, including child care, rent, and basic necessities. Remaining funds will be used for Kai and Hiwa’s education.
On behalf of Lasha, Hiwa, and Kai, we thank you for all of your support and love. As Memorial Service details are determined, we will be reaching out to folks to let them know. In the meantime, we encourage you to leave a message on this page for Lasha to read and share with their daughters in the future.
Co-organizers (3)
Michelle Bogardus
Organizer
Honolulu, HI
Lasha Lynn Salbosa
Beneficiary
Elia Herman
Co-organizer
Tia Brown
Co-organizer