LIHUE — There is still time to register for the “Never Forget Sandy G. Golf Tournament.” This is the 10th year of the fundraiser, which benefits YWCA of Kauai and raises awareness of domestic violence. It will take place at
LIHUE — There is still time to register for the “Never Forget Sandy G. Golf Tournament.”
This is the 10th year of the fundraiser, which benefits YWCA of Kauai and raises awareness of domestic violence. It will take place at the Hokuala Golf Course at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. It costs $120 per player to register. Those interested can sign up as singles or in fours.
Last year, over 100 people participated in the tournament.
On Jan. 25, 2006, Sandra Galas was found strangled to death with a cord-like object and blunt-force trauma to her head in her car, which was parked inside the garage of her Eleele home, according to reports.
“The young mother of two was a remarkable lady with many dreams and hopes for an exciting future,” wrote YMCA Executive Director Renae Hamilton in a letter of support. “Raised on Kauai, she had many friends who deeply miss her.”
“She was a young, up-and-coming professional in her career as assistant food and beverage manager at the Grand Hyatt,” said her father, Larry Mendonca. “She was energetic and busy, always willing to improve and help people.”
The 27-year-old married Darren Galas in 1999. The couple separated in 2005, and that same year, Sandra filed for divorce.
In 2012, Darren Galas was arrested and charged with second-degree murder when new evidence was discovered after the Kauai Police Department worked through Ke Ahi Pio‘ole, a prosecutor-directed cold case murder unit.
Police believe she was killed while she and Darren, 44, were involved in a custody dispute over their two children.
Since 2013, Galas’ defense counsel has filed five stipulations of continuance.
In October 2016, Galas’ attorney, Michael Green, filed a motion to change the venue of Galas’ trial, saying the coverage of Galas’ death in the community may impede his client’s chances for a fair trial. Watanabe denied the motion in December.
He is set to go to trial on April 30.
Check in for Sunday’s tournament starts at 6:30 a.m. Registration includes a $25,000 hole-in-one prize and an awards luncheon.
So far, there are 20 teams registered.
To be a sponsor or to register, call the YWCA, 245-5959.
