Ollie Brilhante
Ollie was like a big brother to me when we were growing up in Kailua. Ollie's Mom and Dad were the best of friends for as long as I can remember and we spent many times together. I can remember spending summer vacations in Kaaawa and/or Punaluu at a beach house with our two families. Ollie and his Dad (Uncle Ollie), my Dad (Ollie) and Ollie's brother Neil and myself would often go "torching" at low tide very early in the morning to catch squid and other fish. Ollie used to hold the torch (lantern) and I was always left holding the sack for the "catch". Another fond memory was when Ollie, Neil, me and my brother would hike up to Sacred Falls. Ollie would always climb the Mountain Apple trees and pick mountain apples. Then we'd finally make it up to the falls and go a dip. Our parents never knew we went up there or else we'd really be punished. It was always quite a challenge to not tell them were we were.
Another great adventure I can remember is when Ollie and our other very best friend Michael Bedison (Ollie and Michael were neighbors in Pohakupu on Uluoa Street. I lived up the street on Ulupuni) went hiking up Maunawili Valley and came upon some Irrigation flues. Ollie was a dare devil and he would say "come on guys, let's ride the flue and see how far we can go". Now, let me tell you, there were parts of the flue that was at least 50 feet above a ravine and then it led into a rock tunnel. But Ollie got in the flue and rode it and then stopped just before it went into the tunnel. Man, he was a dare devil if there ever was one.
In my Sophmore year I went to Kailua High School while I was waiting to get into St. Louis and I can remember Ollie doing hand stands on the railings of the second story balcony at Kailua High School. I think he did it to impress his girlfriend at the time. He was crazy.
These were all very fond memories to mention just a few. I will always consider Ollie as my "Big Brother" and will always remember him for all the good times we shared together and all the family adventures. He will be missed and will be loved for as long as I live.
My sincerest condolences and Blessings to Maude and his lovely children. Ollie should be proud of his very beautiful family. I only wish I could be there in person to bid my farewell to him but I know he is good hands and when I get back to visit Hawaii I will definitely make it a point to visit the site where his ashes will be scattered. I know Ollie is at peace as he absolutely loved the Islands and especially the Windward Side of Oahu.
Aloha,
Ollie Brilhante
Rio Vista, California
July 26, 2016
