Author: Cedric Duarte

September 20, 2026

Quiet Mana, Lasting Aloha

A Tribute to Hopena Pokipala

A life of aloha, courage, and service, honored one year later

Aʻohe lua e like ai  There is no second quite like it.

Hopena Pokipala

Today marks one year since Hopena Pokipala passed. He was a son, grandson, nephew, and friend, a Native Hawaiian, longshoreman, entrepreneur, and candidate for public office. Above all, he was a young man who carried mana quietly and made everyone around him feel welcome.

His ‘ohana, his friends, and the community he loved pause today to remember how he lived and what he hoped to build for Hawaiʻi.

Rooted in family and culture

Hopena was deeply devoted to his ʻohana of Kaʻōhao (Lanikai), to his Hawaiian culture, and to the people who shaped him. He was a direct descendant of Robert Kalanihiapo Wilcox, the first Delegate of the Territory of Hawaiʻi to the United States House of Representatives, and he was inspired to follow that ancestor’s footsteps by dedicating himself to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Entrepreneurship ran in his blood as well. His great grandfather, Clifton Weaver, founded the Spencecliff Corporation, which grew from a humble hot dog stand into a corporation of 32 restaurants and helped spearhead Hawaiʻi’s eatery scene in its early days. Hopena carried that same drive, vision, and fearless willingness to chase a dream.

Hopena as a young boy, earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

The ocean was home

Few things defined Hopena like the water. He surfed big waves, paddled canoes, and sailed canoes, and the ocean was never only recreation. It was where he found peace, strength, purpose, and connection.

His uncle, Clif Botelho, remembers hearing from friends who saw Hopena out in 30 foot surf, bombing down the face with a smile, then paddling right back out to catch another. Clif has friends who have chased swells around the world, and he says the one trait they all share is the ability to stay calm in chaos.

“Always calm, I never saw him angry or snap or anything like that.”

Clif Botelho, uncle

Whether he was riding waves, paddling, sailing, or simply spending time with family and friends, Hopena brought people together. He represented the aloha, resilience, and ʻike of his generation and of those who came before him.

Work, business, and a call to serve

Hopena had recently begun working with the Longshoreman Division in Hawaiʻi and was proud to be stepping into union work, a path of hard work, responsibility, and providing for his future. He was also building his own business, Oysters Hawaii, inspired by creativity, courage, and a desire to create something meaningful for his future and his community.

In 2024, he stepped forward as a Democratic candidate for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 51. His aspirations for public service grew from real concern for local families, housing affordability, community safety, environmental stewardship, and making sure future generations could continue to live and thrive in Hawaiʻi. He wanted to build leadership rooted in aloha, accountability, and care for the people. He also stepped into party leadership, elected Region 9 Chair at the Oʻahu County Convention, and he was a member of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus.

Hopena with friends and fellow delegates at the Oʻahu County Convention, the day he was elected Region 9 Chair.

How he made people feel

Ask anyone who knew Hopena what they remember, and the answer is rarely a single event. It is the way he made them feel welcomed, seen, and valued. His mother, Heather Keliikoa, says that was on full display at his celebration of life.

“He led not through titles but through his actions, his character, and his heart.”

Heather Keliikoa, mother

He gave freely of himself without expecting anything in return, and he showed up whenever someone needed help. He treated people with respect, loyalty, and genuine care. His smile, his laughter, and his steady presence left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Starting his own company and running for office took strength and resilience, and he did both with humility.

One of a kind

In Hawaiian tradition, when a canoe builder no longer has the mold to shape a waʻa, no one can ever make that same waʻa again. Clif Botelho uses that image for people like his nephew.

“They broke the mold.”

Clif Botelho, uncle

It is the same spirit as the Hawaiian saying he shares for Hopena, Aʻohe lua e like ai: there is no equal, no second quite like it. One of a kind.

Hopena lived authentically and with heart. He honored his culture, loved his people, and pursued a life of purpose, courage, leadership, and service. Though his time here was far too short, his spirit of aloha, resilience, authenticity, and generosity lives on through the ocean, through the community, and through everyone who loved him.

A legacy for the next generation

A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Hopena Pokipala was brought before the delegates to the 2026 Convention of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi. It extended heartfelt condolences to his ʻohana, friends, and community, and it reminded all Democrats of the importance of uplifting, encouraging, and investing in the young leaders who will carry the work of service to Hawaiʻi forward.

Hopena’s legacy also lives on through the HOPENA Foundation, created in his honor by his ‘ohana and friends to empower youth through scholarships, cultural programs, and community events. It is rooted in what he cherished most: family and community, environmental stewardship, a deep bond with ʻāina, and respect for the wisdom and traditions of watermen and water women.

His mother hopes his legacy carries on as a beautiful son, grandson, nephew, and friend, and that his name will forever represent kindness, strength, generosity, and the power to live an authentic life. May his memory continue to inspire us to lead with compassion, cherish family, and always give back to the community.

Mahalo, Hopena, for the way you lived and the way you loved.

Coordinated by Heather Keliikoa (HAC Advisory Member) and Clif Botelho (HAC SCC Member), with contributions by Mokihana Maldonado (HAC Chair).