The Maui News - Army Pvt. Eugene D.M. Kanakaole of Kihei, died on Wednesday, June 11, in a noncombat-related incident in Balad, Iraq. Kanakaole, 19, was serving with the 87th Engineer Company, 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Hood, Texas. Friends said the 2007 Maui High School graduate had dreamed for years of joining the military, describing him as a determined, “resilient” young man who spent most of his youth in the foster care system. “I’m proud of him and sad at the same time,” said Donna Vida, program director of the Maui Farm, where Kanakaole lived for about a year after moving to Maui from Honolulu, where he was born. Vida said Kanakaole was funny and well-liked at the Maui Farm, and was caring toward others in spite of challenges he faced growing up. Joining the military was Kanakaole’s dream for years, she said. “It’s almost like his career was his light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “That motivated him.” Kanakaole is the third Maui man killed while serving in Iraq. Spec. Jay Cajimat, 20, died April 6, 2007, when a roadside bomb exploded near his unit. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, 38, was killed in action Nov. 15, 2003, in a helicopter crash. At least 4,101 members of the U.S. military have died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to the Associated Press.