Hawaii Honors Coast Guard Members and Missions

The Coast Guard Foundation’s 20th Tribute to the Fourteenth Coast Guard District highlighted the service of Coast Guard members from the Fourteenth District, which is headquartered in Hawaii and oversees operations over 14 million square miles of land and sea, with units on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and in American Samoa, Saipan, Guam, Singapore and Japan.

The Coast Guard Foundation honored Coast Guard Station Maui for responding to the Maui wildfire on August 8, 2023. Air turbulence from the flames prevented rescue by Coast Guard helicopters leaving a response boat from the station as the only alternative for those fleeing historic Lahaina Town by sea. 

Battling thick smoke and heat from the fire raging through the town and waterfront, crews from Coast Guard Station Maui displayed incredible bravery and initiative to get close enough to those in need to render aid. Ultimately, Coast Guard Station Maui rescued 17 survivors.

During the event, Coast Guard Foundation director Bill Anonsen was also recognized with the Coast Guard Foundation’s Guardian Award. Anonsen is the Managing Partner/Principal of The Maritime Group, he has served on the Foundation’s board since 2013. He has also chaired the annual Foundation event for more than a decade helping to raise more than $4.2 million for Coast Guard members and their families.

In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees for the Coast Guard Foundation since 2013, Anonsen serves on a variety of non-profit boards, including the American Red Cross Pacific Island Region; Honolulu Firefighters Foundation; Marimed Foundation; and Merchant Marine Affairs Committee.

Special thanks to this year’s presenting sponsor Pasha Hawaii and Voyager Chief sponsors ILWU Longshoremen, Matson, Pacific Shipyards, and Par Hawaii. Thank you also to the many other companies and individuals who supported the event. 

The event raised more than $200,000 to support Foundation programs

Title image: A Coast Guard Station Maui boat crewmember searches the waters off Lahaina Town in Maui for survivors. Station Maui saved 17 survivors of the wildfire from the water and located 40 survivors ashore. (Courtesy Photo from Coast Guard Station Maui)