Payton Makana's Story
Payton Nathaniel "Makana" Hough
Born on March 18, 1991 on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Payton was a kind, generous, joyful, inquisitive, smart young man who had a close bond with his sisters and parents. He was passionate about life, and loved others so well and deeply. You would either find him on a skateboard, in the ocean, tinkering with some sort of computer or electronics, or at a Bible study. He had so many goals and dreams for his life.
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When Payton was 15 years old, he was threatened with a machete and gun by a man who had previously been convicted of killing another man. This man was let out on bail, and lived in the same small town as our family- which caused us anxiety and more added stress. Before the trial was to start- This man, Michael Ebinger took his own life because he didn't want to do any more jail time. We know that this event affected Payton greatly, as he was so empathetic and forgiving towards others. We believe all of this set the stage for the mental illness Payton Makana struggled with in the coming years.
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When he was 20, his mental illness began to be more prominent as he started having delusions and became very paranoid. For years he was in and out of Mental Health facilities on Kauai and Oahu. During all of those years, his Ohana (Family) remained his biggest support and advocates. Due to some mishandling of Payton and his condition, by the State of Hawaii, Payton found himself again at the Hawaii State Hospital. We as a family visited, called, and sent gifts frequently. When the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, we were unable to visit, but kept the hope we would be able to once restrictions were lifted. We were never able to see him again in person.
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Over the last 5 years we tried to hard to be a part of his treatment team, and his advocates as he often felt like his doctors and nurses were mistreating him. We were blocked by his doctors and the Hawaii State Hospital, and as time went on, communication was nearly non-existent. Payton was completely isolated from his family. Payton Makana was transferred to Columbia Regional Care Center in South Carolina, in the summer of 2024, without our families knowledge, and without the knowledge of his lawyer. Again, we tried to remain in Payton's life, even thousands of miles away. Calls to his doctors were ignored. Promises that we would be able to visit Payton were broken, and in the span of a year and a half- we got to talk to Payton Makana on Zoom twice, and on the phone once. Boxes we sent him for his birthday were returned, money in his commissary account was left untouched, After a year and a half with almost no contact with his family, feeling hopeless, abandoned, and completely isolated, Payton took his life on November 25, 2025.
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Now, we as his family are searching for answers. Why was he kept isolated from the family that loved, cared, and prayed for him daily? Why were his basic patient and civil rights denied at the hands of institutions that were responsible for giving him proper care? Our mission is simple. We are fighting for #Justice4PaytonMakana, and any other mental health patients who have similar stories. We fight for truth and reform in a system that is broken and corrupt. We fight for change. And we will always remember Payton Makana Hough, the man who had such a bright future, but his light was snuffed out by isolation and darkness.
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We ask that you join us in solidarity to see justice and real change happen, and that no one else's light and life are stolen.
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The Hough Ohana
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In Loving Memory
March 18, 1991 - November 25, 2025
Payton Nathaniel “Makana” Hough, born on March 18, 1991, passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 34. Born and raised on the North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii, he resided in Columbia, South Carolina and was a cherished and compassionate individual known for his gentle, goofy, and intuitive nature. He was loving, patient, and thoughtful, always generous, kindhearted, and selfless, and he was fiercely protective of his family and friends.
Payton's early education included Hanalei Elementary School, where he demonstrated his aptitude for technology by troubleshooting the school's computer system at just 11 years old. He continued his education at Kapaa Middle School, Kapaa High School, and the Elite Element Academy.
In his professional life, Payton was the owner and operator of i.e.Tech Solutions, where he built computers and specialized in computer and iPhone repair, troubleshooting, tune-ups, computer tutoring, and consulting.
Payton is survived by his parents, W. Payton and Zina Hough; his sisters, Tanisha Baker (Andrew) and Keani Hough; and his grandmother, Anita Hough. He is also remembered by his uncles, James Hough and Ben Roxton Hough; aunts, Roni (Andy) Shea and Josie (Steve) Pelayo, Faith (Michael) Derasin; uncles, Harvey (Debbie) Galapir, Wesley (Ella) Galapir, and Patrick (Charlene) Galapir; as well as numerous cousins and extended family. His Hanai uncle and aunt, Alfred and Gwen Rogers, also held a special place in his life. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Lordes Galapir, Ildefonso Galapir and Jim Hough.
Payton had a passion for skateboarding with his dad, computers, technology, music, poetry, and writing. He was a lover of the ocean and the outdoors, enjoying fishing, diving, and spearfishing with his dad, as well as boogie boarding. Payton's faith was an integral part of his life; he loved bible study, sharing about the love of God, praying with others, encouraging them, and telling people about Jesus.
In the community, Payton was known for his love of teaching others about computers and technology. He had a deep affection for people, especially the homeless, the less fortunate, the elderly, and children whom he mentored.
Payton's legacy is one of love and generosity. He was always eager to learn about the world and how it worked. Known for his hugs, laughter, and smiles, he was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He often left food or fruits in parks for homeless children and gave away his possessions to friends who were less fortunate.
Expressions of gratitude are extended to Kelly Rael, Dr. Keith Claypool, Sarah Hill, Pastor Steve and Ana Rex of Calvary Chapel North Shore, Pastor Roy and Dely Sasaki, Pastor Vil and Grace Galiza, Pastor Mike and Anne Pierce, and Pastor Alfred and Gwen Rogers, who were Payton’s personal prayer partners and mentors. The family also wishes to thank Ohana Christian Fellowship and everyone who has ever prayed for Payton or the family.
Payton held several Bible verses dear, including Proverbs 3:4-5, John 3:16, John 4:10, Jeremiah 29:11, and Isaiah 40:31. These verses provided him comfort during difficult times.
Payton loved to give "energy hugs" to those who were tired or distraught. He loved Jesus, and his family finds solace in knowing that he is now in the hands of a loving God, where there is no more pain and suffering.
Follow Us on Instagram: @Justice4PaytonMakana
Our family is fighting to bring Payton back home from South Carolina to Kauai. We long to bring him home as an Ohana, but the costs are more than we can bare right now. We are asking for help to bring Payton home, and to partner financially with us as we seek #Justice4PaytonMakana. He experienced so many hardships in the facilities that were supposed to keep him safe. He was isolated, alone, depressed, and lost all hope. He was denied his civil and patient rights. We fight for Justice for Payton, and for other mental health patients who have also have experienced similar things to Payton. We don't want anyone else to ever go through what he went though. We are fighting to take legal action against those who stole Payton's hope, which eventually ended his life. We fight for changes to made that allows families to be a part of their loved ones treatment, changes in the way that the government and facilities like Hawaii State Hospital and Columbia Regional Care Center treat their patients, and to advocate for those who are so often forgotten in a broken system. Our long term goals include advocacy, laws changed, patients given the love and support they deserve, and to one day start a scholarship program in Payton's name that will help youth who struggle with mental illness, to also have the funds to pursue a higher education and succeed in life. These are all things that Payton would have wanted for others. WE FIGHT TO ALWAYS REMEMBER PAYTON MAKANA AND HIS LIFE.
