Passings

Kwai S. “Sunny” Young

Delbert Duwane Dandurant

Kwai “Sunny” Young, 84, a longtime board member of Pacific Historic Parks, died April 23, 2021.

In addition to serving on the PHP board for 20 years, the retired Army colonel was a volunteer docent at the USS Arizona Memorial for 18 years.

Sunny Young witnessed the Pearl Harbor attack as a child living in Kaimuki and grew up in war-time Hawaii.

After his military career, he was an active volunteer in community organizations. That included serving as Director Emeritus and past board chairman of YMCA Camp Erdman. He was a member of the Pearl City Lions Club and Kalihi Y Service Club. As a senior officer with the Hawaii National Guard Honor Guard for military funerals, he presented flags at a host of military funerals locally.

His military awards include three Meritorious Service Awards and a Legion of Merit.

In recognition of his many years as a volunteer, Su`nny was awarded the YMCA Hero award, the US Department of Interior Secretarial Volunteer Service Award, and the President’s Call to Volunteer Service Award by the National Park Service.

In 2009, Sunny received the Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2013, he received the Doleman Award for significant and sustained volunteer contributions to the military and civilian communities.

Sunny is survived by his wife Norma and daughter Cheryl.

On April 22, 2021, Delbert Duwane Dandurant passed away at the age of 80.

Delbert worked at United Airlines and served with the Hawaii National Guard of the 154th Wing. He retired from both in 2003 after 40 years of service. Not one to remain idle, he stayed active after retirement and found his calling at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial as a park ranger.

The only thing he loved as much as his family was the park and the people in it. He loved the history and sharing it with anyone that would listen. He liked roaming around and conversating with everyone, coworkers and guests alike. When he was finally talking about retiring (again), he was already set on returning to the park as a volunteer because of his passion for this place. He took pride in his job as a ranger and was even prouder to call this his second home.

Though heaven has gained an amazing angel, the family said goodbye to a loving husband of 57 years, a caring father of 2, a kindhearted grandfather of 5, and a great friend to many. He is also survived by his 2 sisters and was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Delbert was truly a blessing to each and every life that he came into and will be deeply missed.