HANAMA‘ULU — Retired police officers on Kaua‘i have found support from within as an organization of people that worked together to make the island safe. The Retired Officers’ Club of the Kaua‘i Police Department, Aha Hui O Makule Maka‘i Hauola
HANAMA‘ULU — Retired police officers on Kaua‘i have found support from within as an organization of people that worked together to make the island safe.
The Retired Officers’ Club of the Kaua‘i Police Department, Aha Hui O Makule Maka‘i Hauola O Kaua‘i, elected board officers at it’s first quarterly meeting Tuesday. It was an organizational meeting but it was also an opportunity to enjoy lunch together at Hanama‘ulu Cafe.
“We get together to talk story, about the good times and about the hard times,” said founding chairman Leon “Angus” Gonsalves.
The club formed in July 2010 after Gonsalves saw a need to support aging officers and their families. He said retirees get sick and need support, and when they die, their families need support.
“Someone got the idea that we should get together,” said Vernon Scribner, who served from 1969 to 1993. “Otherwise it was only for somebody’s funeral.”
One officer stood to thank fellow members for a gift basket and well wishes during a recent hospital stay. He said that it meant a lot to his recovery after nearly losing a foot.
The group has about 25 members attending the meetings, and Gonsalves said they have a list of about 100 for officers. Current members include past commanders George Costa, Howard Carvalho and Brian Fujiuchi.
The officers have already established a color guard. Volunteers form to attend funerals as a group, and to attend to families who lose a loved one.
The group will hold its next meeting May 22, 11 a.m. at Wong’s Restaurant in Hanapepe.
Contact Leon Gonsalves at angus4590puuwai@msn.com or Brian Fujiuchi at fujiuchib@yahoo.com for more information.
