Remembering Waichi Ouye
Born: May 8, 1914 in Umauma Died: July 9, 2015 in Hakalau
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This website contains extensive photos from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family. Waichi Ouye carefully chronicled his life and his community. In preparing this brief biography, we also reviewed newspaper articles from 1929-2011. He was covered often, and for good reason.
From these written records and feedback from children, a description emerges: smart, committed, focused, curious, persistent, honorable, proud, and humble. |
Carefree times: Waichi Ouye and friends at Kolekole, circa 1930. Photo from the Waichi Ouye collection, courtesy of his family.
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From 1929 to 2011, Waichi Ouye's activities and roles were frequently reported, including:
- Historian, Reporter, Editor
- Agriculturist and Agricultural Leader: Hakalau Plantation, Pepeekeo Sugar Company, Hilo Coast Processing Company; Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee
- Beekeeper, Big Island Beekeeping Association
- Boy Scout Leader and Mentor
- Community Participation and Leadership: PTA, Hakalau Recreational Council, Volunteer Fire Squad, Hakalau-Wailea Water Project, Hakalau-Wailea Kumiai, and Mochi Pounding
- Japanese Heritage and Buddhism
- Photography and Videography
- Senior Volunteer
- Historic Preservation
Early Years
Near Umauma Falls, circa 1928-1930. WaichI is in the front, right side. Next to him is his brother, Shigeru. Other boys unknown. Photo from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family.
Hanging out near Umauma Falls, circa 1928-1930. Photo from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family.
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Waichi grew up in Umauma, where his father was a sugar cane farmer and his mother managed a store (Source: 1930 census).
Waichi was the sixth of eight children born to Zenkichi and Okichi Ouye. His older brothers were (Hatsuyuki (1900-1989), Shigeru (1903-1952), Satoru (1905-1906), Kingoro (1909-1924) and Yoichi (aka Jack, 1912-2009). Younger siblings included his sister Tsumayo (1916-2015) and brother Denichi (1921-1963). 
Waichi with his brother Shigeru, assumed to be in Los Angeles circa 1933. Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
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Photo from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family.
Waichi Ouye plowing, circa 1930-1931. Photo from the Waichi Ouye collection, courtesy of his family.
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Waichi graduated from Hakalau School in 1930, then continued at Hilo High School, graduating in 1932. Eugene Capellas, Hakalau School principal, John M. Ross, manager of the Hakalau Plantation, as well has his teachers encouraged their dedicated student. His father died in 1931 and Waichi grew sugar cane on their land to help support his family. This was the beginning of his agricultural career, which continued until 1977.
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Family and Friends
Waichi Ouye married Jane Tsutako Eto on November 7, 1942. Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
They both wanted a large family and all of their 6 children received college degrees, a source of great pride for Waichi and Jane. They travelled many times to the mainland and attended the graduations of all of their children.
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Waichi and Jane, circa 1941. Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
Waichi met Jane Tsutako Eto at a YBA (Young Buddhist Association) convention in 1941 and they married in November 1942.
While Jane took a backseat to all of Waichi’s activities, she was definitely a powerful force in his life.
Ouye family picture taken in 1999. Children in back row from Left to Right: Donn Ouye, Elin Ouye, Eva Chun, Neal Ouye, Gale Ouye, Randy Ouye. Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
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Friends and family mentioned his great sense of humor and curiosity. Newspaper articles frequently noted the new interests he pursued.
Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
He always had a sense of humor, especially with his grandchildren who always encouraged him to keep up with his stretching and exercise. Obviously, he did very well!
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Akiko Masuda and Waichi Ouye, circa 2005. Photo courtesy of Elin Ouye.
Akiko Masuda remembers his dry sense of humor.
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