Kahului, HI - Bert Kalani Ballao, 64, of Kahului, Maui, passed away at home on May 13, 2026. He was born on April 13, 1962, in Ho'olehua, Moloka'i, to George Sr. and Barbara Ballao.

Raised on Moloka'i and Maui, Bert graduated from Maui High School in 1980, where he played football, shot put, and wrestling. He worked many years as a crane operator with Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company and Albert C. Kobayashi, Inc. before retiring from the Operating Engineers.

Throughout his life, Bert loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing on the boat, laying net, throwing net and diving. He was always happy to bring fish home to share with family and friends. He also loved dogs and watching sports. He loved playing with his grand- nephews and grandnieces and watching them grow up.

He was predeceased by his father, George Ballao Sr.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Esther Connolly; mother, Barbara Ballao; brother, George Ballao Jr. (Jeannie); sister, Stephanie Ballao-Villiarimo (Greg); nephews, Alika Ballao and Kealii Ballao; nieces, Melia U'u, Paden Iwasaki, Mekenna Ballao; grandnephew AJ, Jayse, Jonah, Noah and grandnieces Kali and Meleana.

Services will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Ballard Family Mortuary.

Family Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Public Visitation: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Reception: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery, Maui View Section.