Jonathan David Waxman – 50th Reunion Essay

Jonathan David Waxman

Date of Death: 19-Oct-1995

College: Branford

From the Richardson School of law at University of Hawaii: It is with deep regret that we report the death of one of the Law School’s early pioneers, Jonathan D. Waxman. Jonathan was killed and his son, Jacob, injured in a three-car auto accident on the evening of Thursday, October 19 at the intersection of Hana Highway and Stable Road on Maui. Early reports indicate that a pick-up truck crossed the center line, side-swiped another vehicle then plowed into Jonathan’s Toyota. Despite having his seatbelt fastened, Jonathan died at the scene.

All who knew Jonathan will miss him tremendously. His always upbeat way made him one of the best-loved of the Law School’s early graduates. Raised in New York and a Yale graduate and gymnast, Jonathan took to his adopted home of Hawaii with gusto, becoming accomplished at playing Hawaiian music on his guitar, surfing, and outrigger canoe paddling. All of Jonathan’s Oahu friends were dismayed, but not surprised when Jonathan and classmate Benni D’Enbeau moved to Makawao after law school. Once on Maui, Jonathan felt at home and gave tremendously of his time and energy to his up-country community, serving on the Paia-Haiku Citizens Advisory Committee for two terms, as a longtime youth soccer coach, on the Makawao Main Street Association, as an environmental watchdog, as an advocate for more playing fields for kids, and as past president of the Jewish Congregation of Maui.

All of Jonathan’s many warm friends in the law school community were shocked by the tragic loss. Our most heartfelt condolences to Jonathan’s family, Benni, Jacob. and Ilana.