A longtime Hawaii businessman, pilot, and former owner of a local airline that serviced one of the state’s most rural communities has died.
Richard Schuman died on Oct. 29 at his Kailua home after a five-year battle with cancer.
Born in Honolulu on July 30, 1958, Schuman has long been tied to Oahu’s transportation history.
He founded Makani Kai Helicopters, which expanded to become Makani Kai Air, an airline dedicated to serving the people of Molokai.
His family said Schuman prioritized ensuring they could rely on safe, dependable interisland service.
Makani Kai Air merged with Mokulele Airlines in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
Schuman also owned Makani Kai Helicopters, which later became Magnum Helicopters and flew film crews for every season of “Hawaii Five-0″ and “Magnum P.I.”
He also served in the Hawaii National Guard for over 13 years, attained the rank of captain, and helped with the expansion of Trident Adventures, where he became a boat captain.
Growing up, Schuman worked with his dad at the Schuman Carriage Company and NAPA Auto Parts, and graduated from Damien High School in 1978.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Kaleolani, Kawena, and Mahealani; nine grandchildren; stepmother, Kerry; brother, Skip; and sister, Dutchess.