New Patients Are Welcome! Phone: 808-949-6608
Our Team
The practice was founded by Dr. Katsumi Kometani soon after he graduated in 1932 from the University of Southern California. He started the practice on South King Street in Mo'ili'ili on the second floor of the Yamada building across the street from the present day CVS Pharmacy. Many of his patients were from Manoa, Mo'ili'ili, McCully and Kaimuki. He practiced until 1947 when he moved to a cottage located at the present location. Dr. Kometani volunteered and was a member of the 100th infantry battalion from 1942 to 1945. He served as the moral officer, dentist and front line medical officer and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star medal and the SilverStar medal. He served as President of the Hawaii Dental Association and a founding director of the Hawaii Dental Service Corporation. Dr. Kometani retired in 1972 after 40 years of practice.
Dentists
Franklin S. Kometani, DDS |
Dr. Franklin Kometani is the son of Dr. Katsumi Kometani, founder of Kometani & Associates: A Professional Dental Corporation. He graduated from Punahou School and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He received both his Bachelor and Dental degrees from the University of Southern California. Dr. Kometani has retired from the active practice of dentistry in which he practiced since 1962. He continues to be involved with the practice on a daily basis as the manager to ensure it maintains the tradition of "good patient care" that was established by his father. |
Rhinelle Hirose, DMD |
Dr. Hirose is a local girl from the Windward side. She started at Leeward Community College and earned an academic honor society scholarship to attend Hawaii Pacific University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree with high honors in biology. Dr. Hirose then set off to Portland, Oregon where she graduated dental school from Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She then returned to her island home to start her journey as a dental professional. Dr. Hirose is heavily involved in prevention and education of dental health care. She has served as the president of the Honolulu County Dental Society, a delegate of Hawaii Dental Association, and is an active member in community efforts through the Young Dental Group with Give Kids a Smile Hawaii Program. Dr. Hirose has been working with Kometani & Associates since August 2016 and truly enjoys being able to provide dental care to a wide range of patients. From infants to our kupuna population, she believes each individual has a starting point to achieve optimal oral health. She loves the opportunity to meet new people and be part of their journey. Away from the office, Dr. Hirose enjoys time with her husband and daughter, whipping up wonderful, healthy meals, painting, dancing, and exploring new places. Healthy Teeth Tip: Floss the teeth you want to keep! |
Sy M. Nakao, DDS |
Dr. Nakao grew up in Wahiawa, Hawaii. He moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, and later a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at NYU-Lutheran in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Nakao has been working with Kometani & Associates since August 2017. He believes in educating and working with patients to provide highly personalized dental treatment focused on their needs and expectations. Outside of the office he enjoys cooking, fitness training, and hiking. Healthy Teeth Tip: Limit consumption of sugary food and beverages to mealtimes only. |
Kevin M. Mizoguchi, DDS |
Dr. Mizoguchi graduated from Punahou School and went on to receive his Bachelor degree from the University of Southern California. He then furthered his education at the University of Missouri, School of Dentistry. He has been working with Kometani & Associates since 1987. His hobbies include golfing, surfing and sleeping. |
Administrative Staff
Pamela Miyasato |
Pamela received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Hawaii. She has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2001. Pamela is a mother of two sons and is a former LPGA touring professional. She finds joy with family and friends, appreciating the littlest of things around her, and she loves her dog Patches. Healthy Teeth Tip: Brush your tongue and get all the way in the back because it helps prevent bad breath. |
Julie Keenan |
Julie graduated from Punahou School and went on to receive her Bachelor degree from the University of Oregon. She then came home and received her MBA from the University of Hawaii. Julie has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2006. Julie enjoys going to the beach and keeping up with her three boys and their baseball schedule. Healthy Teeth Tip: Brush twice a day and brush well. |
Dental Staff
Melinda Lau, Dental Hygienist |
Melinda graduated from McKinley High School and attended Washington State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Zoology. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Hawaii. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Educational Administration with a concentration in Higher Education and is currently teaching at the dental hygiene program at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Melinda has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2011. She enjoys a busy lifestyle working, as well as balancing that with yoga. Healthy Teeth Tip: Always floss after meals. |
Katsumi Kometani, Dental Assistant |
Katsumi graduated from high school in Okinawa, Japan. She has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2004. Her hobbies include family time, appreciating the sunset while getting in exercise during walks through Waikiki, and shopping! Healthy Teeth Tip: Brush AND floss daily. |
Tanya Pescador, Dental Assistant |
Tanya graduated from McKinley High School and attended Kapiolani Community College. She then went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Health Care Administration from the University of Hawaii - West Oahu. She has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2009. Tanya loves spending time with her dog and finding new places to eat with friends. Healthy Teeth Tip: Brush lightly and at least for two minutes rather than brushing hard to feel like you're getting the job done. |
Tiana Pero, Dental Assistant |
Tiana graduated from McKinley High School. She is bilingual in Marshallese and English. Tiana has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2016. Tiana is a Jehovah Witness and enjoys helping people through community service. She likes having a part in helping people have healthy, beautiful smiles. Healthy Teeth Tip: Invest in an electric toothbrush for a more superior clean. |
Kanoe Hebblethwaite, Dental Assistant |
Kanoe was homeschooled for 4 years and went on to earn her GED. She has been working with Kometani & Associates since 2018. Kanoe finds leisure in walking and enjoys the art of makeup. Healthy Teeth Tip: Focus on prevention and regular visits instead of letting a toothache lead you to the dentist. |