FRANCIS ODA Obituary

FRANCIS S. ODA Francis S. Oda passed away peacefully at home February 14 surrounded by family. He was 84. Born in Honolulu, the first son of Frank Y. Oda and Ethel Izumi Oda, he graduated from University High School, the Cornell University School of Architecture, and earned a Doctor of Architecture at UH. After marrying Caroline Ward in 1965, he moved to Berkeley, CA, where Quinn and Oda earned an AIA honor award. He returned to Hawaii to be the University Architect and Planner, and shortly thereafter co-founded Group 70. Francis was a visionary architect, planner, and leader whose insight, creativity, and faith-based approach guided G70 for more than 50 years. His work helped shape Hawai'i's built environment and reflected his deep respect for culture, community, and place. A Distinguished Alumnus, Francis was instrumental in developing the Doctor of Architecture program at UH. He served as an adjunct associate professor of the UH School of Architecture and as a Manoa Forum Fellow. Francis was also a Senior Pastor and Board Chair of New Life Church Honolulu and served as Global Chair of Transform Our World. Over the course of his career, Francis received more than 50 design awards. In 2014, he was honored by Pacific Business News as Hawaii Business Leader of the Year. His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, the Four Seasons Manele Bay Hotel, Hanauma Bay Nature Center, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, and the Nanea Golf Clubhouse. Francis and Caroline loved to share in ministry around the world, visit great architecture, and eat delicious food! He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Caroline, and children, Reid and Nalani. A celebration of life service will be held on April 25, 2026, at the First Assembly of God Red Hill. Visitation at 11:00. Service at 12:00. Refreshments afterwards. The service will be live-streamed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the UH School of Architecture Doctoral program.