George Noboru Kaya's Obituary
George Noboru Kaya, age 85 of Wailuku, Maui passed away on January 17, 2024 at Roselani Place.
Services will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Nakamura Mortuary in Wailuku. 9:00am is public visitation, 10:00am service and burial at 12:30pm at Maui Memorial Park. Aloha attire is requested.
George was born on July 27, 1938 to Shunichi and Haruko Kaya in Wailuku, Maui. He graduated from Baldwin High School, class of 1956; then got his Associate of Arts Degree in Pre Civil Engineering from Los Angeles City College.
He worked 10 years for the California Division of Highways and joined the California Army National Guard and was called up for the Watts Riot in 1965.
George and his family moved back to Maui in 1970 as he had gotten a job with the State of Hawaii Highways Division. He later got a job with the County of Maui as Highways Division Chief, Public Works Director and Mayor Linda Lingle's Senior Executive Assistant. Later he became Governor Linda Lingle's Maui Liaison for 8 years. George retired from the State and County for a total of 31.5 years of service.
George planned the opening of SSFM International, Maui office in 1999 and was the primary reason for the success of SSFM's engineering business on Maui. George also participated in firm-wide strategies for projects throughout Hawaii.
George was a Scout Master of Troop 40, President of Wailuku Hongwanji Misson and President of Maui Yamaguchi Kenjin Kai. George earned his Eagle Scout badge in 1954.
His dogs Keoki, Deion and Kobe were his "best friends." He was an avid fan of horse racing.
George is survived by his wife Pearl, son Kevin (Maki}, grandchildren Nicole and Jesse and sister Ruth. He is predeceased by his brothers Harry "Bull" and Albert, sister Edith and grandson William.
The Kaya family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported them during this most difficult time, the staff at Roselani Place, Hospice Maui, Reverend John C. Hara and Kahului Jodo Mission.
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