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92, of Kaneohe, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. Born near the cane fields of O’laa (Kea’au) on the Big Island, the third of eight siblings, Ed grew up in very humble beginnings. He never forgot those roots, as humility took hold and never left him throughout his life. A proud graduate of Hilo High School, class of ’51, Ed worked hard in and outside of classes, earning an ROTC engineering scholarship at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Along the way, he met his lifelong partner, Harumi (Nishi), at a bon dance in Hilo. Ed was shy, but approached and introduced himself. And so began the start of a Hilo High School courtship. Ed soon left for college on O’ahu but Harumi joined him a few years later, each in pursuit of a degree – engineering and nursing, respectively. The high school sweethearts married in 1956 and celebrated anniversaries for 68 wonderful years. Harumi left us a year earlier but her strength and will carried on through Ed as he gave his family one more year to enjoy with him. Like high school, Ed worked hard and excelled at UH’s College of Engineering (Civil), earning the respect of many professors while also forming what became lifelong friendships among the Engineering Class of ’56. Following graduation, Ed and Harumi shared vows and moved to Virginia, as Ed began his two-year commitment with the U.S. Army. Military service continued thereafter for 33 years in the Army Reserve as Ed worked his way to the top, retiring as a Brigadier General. Ed’s career took many interesting turns, each filled with opportunity and challenge. Early on, Ed established a successful private civil engineering firm, Hirata, Shimabukuro & Associates, but he firmly believed that public service was the highest calling. Then, almost on a whim, Ed expressed an interest in becoming Director and Building Superintendent of the City and County of Honolulu. Mayor Frank Fasi took a chance and appointed him. And that was the start of what quickly transformed into an "all in" commitment to public service. Ed led multiple City departments, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and ended as City Managing Director, where to this day, he is still known for those unforgettable words, "Halloween is tonight." Mahalo, Michael W. Perry. Following his tenure with the Fasi Administration and a brief stint with Honolulu Wood Treating, Ed landed at Hawaiian Electric Company under the strong leadership of Dudley Pratt. But public service was not done with Ed. Governor John Waihee came calling and with Hawaiian Electric’s generosity, Ed rekindled his passion for public service, this time leading the State’s Department of Transportation. Ed returned to Hawaiian Electric to finish his career and pivot to retirement. And as if that wasn’t enough, Ed also served on many different boards of directors, both public and private. Like many other things in his life, Ed’s time management was masterful, finding every opportunity to participate in family activities. Forever a leader, Ed was active in the Kaneohe community, serving as PTA President, cub master, scout master, and little league baseball coach. He also enjoyed community league bowling at Windward and Tropicana Bowls. But at some point, golf entered his and Harumi’s life. Both were smitten by the maddening game. Although Ed never excelled at golf, the game remained a friend, opening doors to many friendships, golf trips, and "epic" matches with Harumi and their two sons — the perfect foursome for many, many years. Harumi, bless her heart, took great pride in outdriving and outputting Ed, with Ed more than happy to watch, smile, shake his head, and laugh. And for years they always looked forward to their next "Mix and Match" outing with their favorite circle of friends. And with all that going on, Ed and Harumi also found the time to enjoy as boosters every UH sport available, whether football, baseball, basketball, or volleyball. When it came to travel, whether domestic or international, Harumi led and Ed followed. Without question, their favorite and most memorable trips were to Japan with their "Tomodachi Group." Ed tried to keep up as best he could but, at times, would raise the white flag and declare "too much!" First "dad" then "grandpa", Ed savored his close personal relationships, first with Dean, Mark, and Cathy Ann, and later with his beloved in-laws and grandchildren. At family gatherings, Ed often appeared with his trusty Shirokiya mochi maker, grinning from ear to ear and eager to get started. To be sure, Ed will be missed but we’re all grateful to have known him and the many lessons he taught by example. He is survived by sons Dean (Cathy) and Mark (Stacey); daughter Cathy Ann Yuen (Brooks); and grandchildren Jordan and Zack Yuen; Griffin and Piper Hirata; and Matt Matsuda. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary, East Chapel. Visitation at 10:00. Service at 11:00, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Hawaii College of Engineering.
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