Thieves stole almost $10,000 worth of tents, equipment and tools late last week from the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, leaving supporters at a loss as they plan for their traditional Memorial Day services.
David Carlson, president of the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Association and commander of the American Legion Kona Post 20, said someone who knew the gate combination and apparently had a key to the padlocked storage area made off with three tents, including the poles and new covers the American Legion had recently purchased, as well as a ladder, weed trimmer, tools used for maintaining the cemetery and the lowboy trailer used to haul heavy equipment to dig burial sites.
He said the theft was discovered Friday morning when county Parks and Recreation Department workers came to open the site. The theft apparently took place Thursday night, he said.
“Whoever did it knew what they were doing,” Carlson said. “They had the combination; they had the key.”
He said about 400 people attend Memorial Day services at the cemetery. While it’s possible the tents and equipment may be recovered, Carlson said the American Legion is seeking contributions in case that doesn’t happen in time for Memorial Day.
“The Legion could use some financial assistance,” he said.
Checks can be sent to the American Legion, P.O. Box 4706, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745. Checks can be marked “WHVCA,” to ensure they go to the cemetery, he said.
Calls to the Department of Parks and Recreation were not returned by press time Monday. Calls to the Hawaii Police Department were referred to the Kona Patrol unit, which also did not return calls by press time Monday.