Esther Latai Keiki, a Nanakuli community volunteer and fireknife dancer, died Sept. 12. She was 83.

Born in Honolulu, Keiki and her daughter had a hula troupe that performed at weddings and birthday parties. Keiki performed the Samoan siva as well as the fireknife dance, which is primarily mastered by male dancers.

“She was so talented,” said her son Craig “Vuni” Keiki, adding his mother continued to dance in her 70s. “She loved to perform.”

Keiki lived in Nanakuli and worked as a security guard with Freeman Guards Inc. for more than 15 years, mostly at Honolulu Airport.

She also volunteered as a crossing guard for Nanaikapono Elementary School for more than 30 years. Craig Keiki recalled how she wore brightly colored clothes not to be showy, but to ensure motorists saw her and the students when she walked with them across the street.

Keiki also served as a volunteer with the Waianae Civil Patrol.

“She believed in service. She wanted to serve the community and the people,” Craig Keiki said. “She wanted to give back to the community.”

Keiki will be best remembered for her positive attitude and exuberant nature, said her son, adding that she was humble, sweet and beloved.

Keiki is also survived by sons William “Wongie” Jr., Baldwin “Kaena” and Wayne “Kui Kong”; daughters Charmaine “Pikake” and Johanna “Tala” Mokiao, Novelene “Pakalana” Robinson and Harolynn “Loke” Yuen; brothers George and Johnny Alapai; sisters Moana Allen, Pola Wong, Cleo Akina, Verna Allison, Jan Corona, Yvonne Lee, Louella “Cuddles” King, April E. and Dorothy Alapai, Ana Cain and Nancy Jedro; stepmother Mitsue Alapai; 25 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kalaeloa Chapel, 2074 Lauwiliwili St., Kapolei, and Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. with a service from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Burial to follow at Nanakuli Homestead Cemetery. Purple attire requested for Friday and white attire for Saturday. Flowers welcome. Online condolences: leewardfuneralhome.com.