Who is Bieni?

Who Is Bieni?

Ulrike Kohler Johnson, also known as “Bieni” to her friends and family, lived in Waimea throughout her childhood and attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy, graduating from there in 1983. She was the daughter of Adi and Chacha Kohler. During her high school career, Bieni ran cross-country and track, as well as played soccer. Bieni was always known as someone who was kind and sweet to everyone. She had a fantastic sense of humor and connected with everyone she came into contact with throughout her life.

Bieni fought a valiant battle against breast cancer but passed away on June 8th, 2009. For twenty-one years, she was the wife to Robert Johnson and the mother to two great kids, Alicia and Ryan. Her brother, Christian Kohler, also attended HPA for nine years, graduating in 1986. Bieni followed in her father’s footsteps in the hotel industry, working for the Ritz Carlton and Starwood Hotels after graduating from Santa Clara University. Bob’s career brought the couple back to Hawaii, where they spent 8 years on the Big Island and the past 13 years in Honolulu.

Bieni was continuously honored for her hard work in raising funds for the Star of the Sea School, where she was the President of the Parent-Teacher Guild. She was passionately involved with her children’s numerous sporting activities. Bieni heightened everyone’s awareness about cancer through her multiple fundraising efforts amongst friends and family. Her personality was uplifting to all around her. She truly exuded a gracious, selfless and bubbly spirit that many came to love.

Photography by Bob Fewell