Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta Oahu, Hawaii

In 1988-1989, 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.

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

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 and this year they raised over $7,500 it will go to Special Olympics Hawaii.  Melissa Blake (photo left) is the Director of Torch Run Development for Special Olympics Hawaii.

  This year, the Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta is being held at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Special recognition goes out to Colonel Eric Schaefer (Base Commanding Officer), Douglas Wadsworth (Base Chief of Staff), Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office Photo left), Paul "Otis" Anslow (MCAS Director of Safety), retired HPD Lt. Vernon Kong who is the Lt. Assistance Services Officer MCB Hawaii is to be commended as to coordinating this regatta at the MCB Hawaii along with Honolulu Police Det. Lance Anderson, Cpl Kahai Canario, Lieutenant Jojo White and Sergeant Nathan Palakiki-Fletche of the Halawa Correctional Facility and OHCRA Officials Lapule Schultz and crew.

Official boats for today's regatta , Ivan Shigaki, Kenneth Kimitsuka, and Nalu Kukea (HFD Fire Capt.) laying lanes for the event for free.  Today's event was kicked off with a blessing by Mary Ann and a Pule (Chant) by Ama Keama of "Team Halawa." Special guest speakers were Honolulu Police Chief,  Louis Kealoha and Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office) MCB Hawaii.

The following canoe team participates; Team Halawa, Team Glenn, Team Maui PD, Maui Community Correction Center, Na Koa Lani, Provost Marshall Office, Military Appreciation (Military Chief), Kehaulani and Chief Kealoha. LD Race Video "click here"  Mixed Race Video "click here" Awards Banquet Video "click here" Candid & Awards Photos "click here"