Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation

The Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable corporation founded in February 2010. It is registered with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and operates under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 27-1935680.

Purpose

The Foundation's primary purpose is to design, construct, and maintain a monument dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers from various agencies in Hawaii who have died in the line of duty. This includes personnel from city, county, state, military, and federal agencies serving the people of Hawaii[2][3].

Background

The concept of the memorial was initiated in part by efforts that began as early as 1995. However, it was in November 2009 that significant steps were taken toward creating a physical memorial[4].

Legislative Support

In 2010, during the 25th Legislative Session, the Foundation supported House Concurrent Resolution 139, which recognized the sacrifices of fallen law enforcement officers in Hawaii. This resolution directed that land be set aside on the State Capitol grounds for the memorial and stated that only private funds could be used for its construction[4].

Following this, House Bill 1622 was introduced in January 2011 and passed into law in April 2011, providing the necessary approval for the memorial's construction using private funds[4].

Mission and Impact

Once completed, the memorial will serve as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives in service. It will be a place for reflection, remembrance, and solitude for law enforcement personnel, their families, and the public[4]. The memorial aims to fill a void, as Hawaii is currently the only state without a law enforcement memorial[4].

History of Law Enforcement Casualties in Hawaii

As of the early efforts to establish the memorial, Hawaii had lost 61 law enforcement officers since November 1903. The Foundation's work honors these sacrifices and ensures that their contributions are commemorated[4].