In 1988-89, Gilbert Gaspar Jr., an officer with the Hawaii Police Department used to paddle canoe. Since SHOPO held their annual softball and basketball tournaments every year, he thought "why not try a canoe regatta involving law enforcement personnel?" Gilbert (photo top right) got it started and hosted it for the first five years. He then decided to rotate the regatta to include the outer islands. All monies raised were donated to different charity organizations including the March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Special Olympics Hawaii. The host island decides what charity organization they would donate their proceeds to, and the regatta was set up pretty much in the same format as other HCRA (Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association) regattas. Other law enforcement agencies were invited including the FBI, Corrections, Marshall's, Military Police, Prosecutors, etc., and even the Fire Department.
Since President's Day weekend was a three day weekend, Gilbert decided that it would be more worthwhile for outside islanders to come over to Kona. Secondly, it was before the regular regatta season so it would be easier to borrow the canoes and practice before the season started. After a few years, Gilbert decided to pass on the torch so others would get involved, and this is how the Annual President Day Law Enforcement Regatta got started in Hawaii. This year's 23rd Annual Hawaii Law Enforcement Canoe Regatta was held on Oahu at Keehi Lagoon, on Sunday, February 20, 2011. It started at 7:45am with a Welcome Chant by, Elizabeth Keama and a Pule, by Mark Paterson (Hawaiian prayer). At 8:45am the distance race began and at 1030am the sprint race. This year teams are, Halawa (16 wins), DOD (USMC - 1 win)),"Securitas" (title sponsor - 2 wins), Team Glen (17 wins), SSD (2 wins) , and Nakoalani (3 wins).
The Hawaii Law Enforcement Canoe Racing Association (HLECRA), is an organization made up of police officers throughout the State of Hawaii. The 23rd Annual Canoe Regatta will be hosted by Oahu and will benefit the Special Olympics Hawaii and this year title sponsor is Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. (Read more) and coordinated by retired HPD Officer Gary Loo (photo right) and the Major for second watch at the Honolulu International Airport. These races have been very special with a team (Team Glen) named after police officer Gilbert Gaspar's brother Glen who was fatally shot while attempting to arrest a suspect in Kapolei at the Kapolei Basket-Robbins on Tuesday, March 4, 2003. This event is also dedicated to all Hawaii fallen Police Officers.
Special appreciation to Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., title sponsor and thanks to Kahai Canario, Lance Anderson, Nathan Fletcher and Jojo White for spearheading this event. I would also like to recognize the Awong Ohana, Darren and Tiare for the pupus at Saturday's lane drawing, the ono breakfast and hawaiian plate lunches during the regatta, and the food at the awards banquet and to Greg Ho and Jeffrey J. Lee for the "boat ride", and SHOPO for the use of their Hall. Thanks also to the Dept. of Public Safety, Corrections Division for the live band. "Click to see Regatta photos." or "Click to see Award Banquet."
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