Diane Taira Obituary

DIANE KIMIYE TAIRA Diane Kimiye Taira, 65, passed away December 19, 2024 from post covid lung complications. Diane's full and beautiful life will be celebrated at Hosoi Garden Mortuary on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM. Diane was born April 12, 1959, to Nisei parents Harry and Miriam Taira in Los Angeles. The family, with younger sister Jo Anne, returned to Oahu in 1969 and settled in Kailua. Diane was a proud Kailua High Surf Rider. She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California Law School. Diane was a very passionate about her career and proud to be an attorney. Diane began her legal career in private practice in the 1980s, but found her calling in public service. Beginning as a county prosecutor, Diane transitioned to deputy attorney general for the State in the 1990s. In the tort litigation division, Diane defended the State in a jury trial while very pregnant with her daughter Emily--and won. In 2006, Diane was promoted to Supervising Deputy Attorney General. She led nine lawyers and staff supporting the Haw. Dept. of Health during the pandemic as well as the Hawaii Depts. of Hawaiian Homelands and Housing and Public Safety. In 2014, Diane was honored with the "Manager of the Year Award" by the Attorney General. This past December, while fighting covid in the hospital, many colleagues texted their appreciation and respect for Diane, saying she was a truly great friend, believed in people, and led by example. Diane loved holidays. Outlandish Halloween costumes at home and at work were her specialty. When the kids were young, she would make "bunny footprints" with flour around the house for Easter egg hunts. On Christmas Eve, she and husband Perry converted the lawn into a Santa landing strip, with freshly chomped carrots and a pail of water for reindeer refreshment. In retirement, Diane enjoyed life's simple things: daily walks with her neighbors, baking, raising monarch butterflies, and watching Korean dramas with her husband. Diane also stayed committed to public service. She volunteered in many community service projects with the Hawaii Kai Lions Club and did pro bono legal research for the Attorney General. In October 2024, Diane took her family to Okinawa, a lifelong dream of hers. She enjoyed its beautiful beaches, collecting shells, sharing andagis with her kids, saying she "felt at home." Diane is survived by her husband Perry Confalone; son William and daughter-in law Jessica Taira; daughter Emily Confalone; sister Jo Anne Hanada; and a grandson due to be born in April. We love you Diane. We are forever grateful for you. Thank you for being the most amazing wife, mother, and friend. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary