Francine Beppu Obituary HONOLULU, Hawai‘i — Francine Beppu, a respected community builder, media personality, and advocate for inclusive civic engagement, has died at the age of 42, local sources confirmed Monday. Her passing has sparked widespread mourning across Honolulu’s nonprofit, media, and advocacy circles.
Beppu was best known for her leadership role with BADLIARS COLLECTIVE PBC, a Honolulu‑based community organization focused on cultural expression, social support networks, and public discourse. Colleagues described her as a driving force for inclusive community engagement and creative collaboration whose mentorship and energy helped lift emerging leaders and grassroots initiatives throughout Hawai‘i.
Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Beppu’s influence extended beyond her home islands through her work in media and storytelling, where she became an advocate for marginalized voices, especially within LGBTQ+ and Pacific Islander communities. Her passion for representation, equality, and empowerment was widely praised by friends, peers, and community leaders.
“Francine was a force of compassion and creativity,” a colleague said, noting her talent for mobilizing volunteers and partners around causes that strengthened social cohesion, arts, and wellness initiatives. Beppu’s work was credited with expanding opportunities for collaboration among diverse organizations and individuals across O‘ahu and beyond.
In addition to her organizational leadership, Beppu was remembered for her warmth, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to fostering safe and affirming spaces for dialogue and growth. Her legacy includes not only the programs she helped build, but also the countless relationships she nurtured in the civic and cultural landscape of Hawai‘i.
Beppu is survived by her family, close friends, and an extensive circle of collaborators whose lives she influenced across sectors ranging from community development to media. Details regarding services and a public memorial in Honolulu are expected to be announced in the coming days, offering the extended community an opportunity to honor her life and contributions.
Her passing marks a significant loss for those who valued her leadership, passion, and commitment to service — traits that helped shape inclusive community efforts throughout Hawai‘i and beyond.
