Robert Osamu Ohata's Obituary
Robert Osamu Ohata, 100, of Makawao peacefully passed away at his
daughter’s home on June 13, 2020. He was a humble man born in
Wailuku on October 2, 1919 to Seiichi Ohata and Hisa Nishio Ohata.
He graduated from Maui High School in 1938 then studied engineering
at UH where he graduated in 1942. During his senior year at UH, the
war broke out and he went to work for the federal government building
roads and surveying in Honolulu. While surveying, he spotted the lovely
Alice Hatsuyo Ozaki whom he later married in 1943. They married soon
after and fostered a loving marriage for the rest of their lives.
Robert started his career with the Territory of Hawaii Highway
Department for 3 years under Jack Mayett but wasn’t interested in
building highways. He then worked for Libby McNeal (which was purchased by Hawaiian Pineapple Company)
for 3 years culminating in work on the Dream City project. He was hired by County of Kauai Department of
Public Works to oversee a federally funded flood project at the recommendation of George Hofftailing. Robert
was on Kauai when the April 1, 1946 tsunami hit. He stayed to help rebuild and restore the Hanalei area
because he so loved Kauai and the people there. Robert returned to Maui in 1958 to become Maui’s first
planning director at the request of Mayor Eddie Tam. There he developed many urban projects including several
low-income housing projects. He was most proud of the Historic Lahaina Restoration project. After 11 years at
Maui County, Robert entered private business and was involved in many projects including Azeka Shopping
Center, Pukalani Terrace, Waihee Area Project, Wells Street Professional Center, and various other C Brewer
projects.
Growing up, Robert was an Eagle Scout and incredibly proud that his son and all his grandsons were Eagle
Scouts as well. He was a County Champion springboard diver competing at the State level. While in college
he was part of the gymnastics team. Once he settled down, his passion turned to two things, gardening and
fishing of all sorts. After moving to Makawao, Robert was finally able to cultivate a garden which included
soybeans, corn, avocados and his famous lychee. He started spear fishing as a youth and he passed his love
for fishing to his son Carl. He enjoyed many a beautiful day with his favorite fishing partner Alice. At some
point, Robert determined that fishing was getting too difficult and transferred his energy and talents to
painting. He left behind many beautiful paintings.
Robert also was a trustee of Maunaolu College where he became friends with J. Walter Cameron, his wife
Elizabeth Baldwin, and J. Walter’s son Collin Cameron. J. Walter would signal dad to sit by him for the
meetings. He was the moderator of Iao Congregational Church where he has been a member for many years.
Robert is pre-deceased by his wife Alice and his daughter Roberta. He is survived by his son Carl (Sue) and
their children Heather (Simo) and Brent (Kanti) and grandchildren Kai, Mia, Anushuka and Praachi; and his
daughter Irene (Stuart) and their children Michael and John. Robert is resting in peace with his beloved Alice at
the Maui Memorial columbarium. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. No koden or
flowers please, just a moment of reflection.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation for the staff at Hospice Maui who made Robert’s last days
filled with laughter, stories, compassion, and understanding. They made his passing easier for everyone.
Mahalo from our family.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
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