KAILUA-KONA — The Big Island community showed its aloha spirit when it came together to replace stolen swim gear donated to soldiers who train at Kawaihae harbor.
KAILUA-KONA — The Big Island community showed its aloha spirit when it came together to replace stolen swim gear donated to soldiers who train at Kawaihae harbor.
Within hours of the story hitting Big Island newspapers earlier this month, calls and emails flooded into the nonprofit United Service Organization, which provides the equipment to the troops. People offered to replace gear and one person as far away as Iowa wanted to make a financial donation to USO.
The support and generosity has been amazing, said Jody Brissette, center manager for USO.
“The USO provides a home away from home,” Brissette said. “This provides a little relaxation between trainings.”
The theft was discovered a couple of weeks ago when the shipping containers within the military compound at Kawaihae harbor were raided. Two kayaks were stolen as well as 10-20 sets of snorkel gear, all fishing poles, two tackle boxes and two paddleboards.
USO supports active and retired military personnel, including all veterans. Part of that support on Hawaii Island has been providing swim gear for recreational activities for troops training at the military compound in Kawaihae for the past nine years.
Marine Corps veteran Nathan Evert of Hilo was upset when he learned about the theft.
“I read the story in the Tribune-Herald and was immediately offended,” he said.
Evert said it’s like stealing from the military.
“Groups like the USO and Red Cross — even though they do little things, it means a lot,” he said.
Evert recalled his time in Vietnam when he received a book through the Red Cross.
“It was a small thing, but it was an escape,” he said.
Evert was able to donate three kayaks, three sets of paddles, a couple of chairs, a couple of kayak racks and other items.
Dano Pereida, an Army veteran in Kona, said he read about the theft in West Hawaii Today.
“They’re good kids and they deserve a lot better than that,” Pereida said about the soldiers.
Pereida and his wife, Terry, donated a few guitars, a kayak and a couple of fishing rods.
Pereida said the soldiers need this equipment.
“They need to be able to unwind and enjoy Hawaii,” he said.
The shipping containers were cleaned and stocked with the gear on Sunday, which also was Father’s Day. New locks were put on the containers.
“They might have stolen our equipment, but they didn’t steal our aloha,” said USO volunteer Gaylene Hopson.
Overall, donations included five kayaks, two surfboards, three guitars, about 20 sets of snorkel gear and four fishing poles were donated to USO for the troops.
“As sick to my stomach as I felt, to have all the phone calls from people who wanted to help, it made me feel great,” Hopson said.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.