25th Anniversary Law Enforcement Canoe Regatta 1988-2013 - Kailua Kona, Hawaii

In 1988-89, Gilbert Gaspar Jr., an officer with the Hawaii Police Department used to paddle canoe. Since SHOPO holds their annual softball and basketball tournaments every year, he thought it would be a good idea to have a canoe regatta involving law enforcement personnel. Gilbert got it started and hosted it for the first five years. He then decided to expand the regatta to include the outer islands. All monies raised are donated to different charity organizations including the March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Special Olympics Hawaii. The host island decides which charity organization they will donate their proceeds to. 

These races have been very special with a team (Team Glen) named after police officer Gilbert Gaspar's brother Glen who was fatally shot on March 4, 2003 while attempting to arrest a suspect at Kapolei Basket-Robbins.

Gilbert has since decided to pass on the torch so others can get involved, and this is how the Annual President's Day Law Enforcement Regatta got started in Hawaii.

This year, the 25th Hawaii Law Enforcement Canoe Regatta is being held in Kailua-Kona.  I spoke to Sgt. Rollin S.K. Rabara (photo left w/white t-shirt) of the Hawaii Police Department who is in charge of organizing this year's event.  He said hopefully all the "pioneers" of the first regattas back in the good old days will come back to paddle, and celebrate this special event.  All proceeds this year benefit Special Olympics West Hawaii.

I spoke with Coach Charlie Kamai who related Norman Ahina was one of the original paddlers along with Gilbert Gaspar, as well as himself and Reggie Zoller from District 3.  Norman loved paddling and passed away at age 50.  Coach Charlie Kamai decided that this event, be in honor of Norman Ahina as "Team Ahina."

Today's event was kicked off with a blessing by Hawaii Police Chaplin, Lani Larrua.  The team participants were the Kona Fire Dept., (photo above) who took 1st place in the Men's long distance race, followed by Halawa "A", Halawa "C", Team Glenn, and Halawa "B."  In the Women's Long Distance, Halawa took 1st place followed by Team Glenn "1", Team Glenn "2", and Mahina.  Over all, Halawa dominated the event wins followed by Team Glenn, Hawaii Makai, "C" Watch Kona, BI HFD and Ahina Women.

Special recognition to Area Director, Sandie Dela Cruz, Special Olympics West Hawaii, Sgt., Rollin Rabara, Walter Ahmow (photo above w/Rollin), Lt. Darin Horio, Officer Steven Kashimoto, and especially to Boat Captain James Ako. Candid photos "click here". Dinner and Award Video "click here".