Richard Kenichi Minatoya

November 18, 2018

Richard Kenichi Minatoya was called to his final resting place at the age of 51, on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Saint Francis Hospice on Oahu. Memorial Service for Richard will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. Public Visitation at 3:30 pm and Service at 5:00 pm. The family is requesting no flowers. Born on Kauai to Yasuo and Hisae Minatoya, Richard, to all who knew him, was a dedicated public servant and an exceptional community leader who touched the lives of all who knew him. Richard was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Setsuko, and relatives in Hawaii and Japan. Richard obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University on Hawaii. In February 1999, Richard moved to Maui to work as a Deputy Prosecutor. He also worked in the Maui Department of Corporation Counsel. In 2003 Richard moved to Kauai, to enter into private practice before serving as First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Richard returned to Maui in 2006, serving as a Legal Assistant until January 2007-present, when he became a Deputy Prosecutor in charge of the Appellate and Asset Forfeiture Division. Always active in the community Richard served as a member of the Criminal Jury Instruction Committee, as well as, the Criminal Rules Committee for the Supreme Court; he was a board member for the National District Attorneys Association; and belonged to the following service organizations: Kiwanis Club of Kahului, University of Southern California Alumni Association, Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce; and Maui 442nd Veterans Club. “THE KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US…….” was one of his memorable quotes during his many service projects with the Kiwanis Club. Richard will be missed by all, especially by the children of Maui County! “We can shed tears that he is gone, or we can smile because he lived. We can close our eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or open our eyes and see what he has left. Love lives on-He may be gone-But will not be forgotten.”