Jolene “Jojo” Kanako Kiyono, a longtime Honolulu banking professional known for her sharp wit and community involvement, passed away at the age of 70 on December 26, 2025, at St. Francis Hospice’s In-Patient Unit in Nuuanu following a years-long battle with COPD.
Born in Honolulu on November 13, 1955, to Shigeo Francis Arakawa and Masako Dixie Izumigawa, Kiyono graduated from Waipahu High School in 1973 before earning her Associate of Arts from Leeward Community College in 1980. Over a dedicated career in finance, she spent 28 years with American Savings Bank and 10 years with Central Pacific Bank, where colleagues often referred to her as “mom” for her welcoming presence and ability to maintain humor with demanding customers.
Banking Career and Community Roots in Honolulu
Beyond her professional work in the banking sector, Kiyono maintained deep ties to her Okinawan heritage, volunteering regularly at the local Okinawan Festival and frequently preparing andagi for family gatherings. Her interests ranged from dancing hula and playing Hawaiian music on her acoustic guitars to reading Stephen King novels, gaming, and caring for household pets.
During her later care at hospice, medical staff noted her enduring sense of humor despite the progression of her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Surviving Family and Private Services
Private services were held at her request.
She is survived by her long-time companion Vernon Ramos; son Travis Kimura-Kiyono and his spouse Kawika; brothers Michael Arakawa and his spouse Adele, and Darrel Higa; sisters Michele Cortez, Kathryn Forsythe, and Dana Arakawa-Oste; and her canine companion, Mana. She was predeceased by her parents and a previous dog, Kobe.
