Bert Kuwela Kaniaupio, 53, of Sweet Home passed away Saturday. He was born in San Jose, California to Bert Kuwela Kaniaupio, Sr. and Eleanor Elizabeth (Dean) Kaniaupio-Mathews.

He served in the United States Army and National Guard.

O’ahu, Hawaii was always Bert’s home. As he grew up, he lived in San Jose, California, Fort Worth, Texas, and then back to Hawaii. In 1992, he made Sweet Home his home.

Bert worked for a mill. After that, he worked for Skyline Inn for years. He loved his job and all the patrons who became great friends.

He enjoyed playing Bingo, gambling, and camping with friends. He always enjoyed the beach, along with spending great gatherings back home.

Bert always had a big heart for everyone. He was also loved by so many.

Bert is survived by son Kekoalauliionapalihauliuliokekoolau Masonobu and his wife, Mary Katherine Yoshinaga; granddaughter Hanako Rae Yoshinaga; sisters Elizabeth Ululani Kaniaupio-Gowen of Halsey, Tamara Puanani Kaniaupio-Rentz of Anchorage, Alaska, and Morning Star Gonzales; four nieces; four nephews; and significant other Nichole Jackson of Sweet Home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bert Kuwela Kaniaupio; mother Eleanor Mathews; brother Jeremiah “Jerry” Kaniaupio.

His family will be taking him to rest in Honolulu, Hawaii with many cousins and friends. A service will be announced when we all can coordinate a gathering.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.