New foundation to aid Maui police

WAILUKU — The recently formed Maui Police Foundation is raising money to supplement Maui Police Department projects and programs that can’t be carried out because of budget shortfalls.

The independent nonprofit organization is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors made up of business and philanthropic leaders. Its mission is to supplement MPD projects and programs for officer equipment and training and youth outreach, according to a news release from the organization.

“I am thrilled and thankful to these volunteers who are willing to help us find solutions to the problems facing the community,” said Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu.

He said the foundation can accept donations that the department can’t.

Recently, someone involved in a case where Crisis Intervention Team officers responded wanted to donate several thousand dollars to go toward the training that helps officers respond to people affected by mental health issues, Faaumu said.

In another case, he said someone wanted to make a donation after an officer had helped with a flat tire.

“A lot of folks want to give money, but I can’t accept the money,” Faaumu said.

He said he can now have people make the donations to the foundation.

Faaumu credited Roger Dixon for working to start the foundation. “He took the ball and ran with it and made it happen,” Faaumu said.

Dixon said many communities across the country have similar foundations to accept donations that help police departments.

“A lot of departments have embraced it,” he said. “It’s for the betterment of the community and the Police Department.”

The foundation is still trying to fill some board positions, Dixon said.

He said he has stepped away from being involved in the foundation to avoid any potential conflicts since he was appointed to the Maui Police Commission this year.

Recently elected board President Paulette Ramsay Wood said that “through donations received, the foundation will make it possible for every officer to have the equipment that he/she needs to fight crime and strengthen relationships through youth programs organized by the MPD.”

Tax-deductible donations by check can be sent to the Maui Police Foundation, P.O. Box 2085, Wailuku 96793. Credit card donations can be made at the foundation’s website at www.mauipolicefoundation.org.

More information on board openings and volunteer committee opportunities is available at the website or by contacting Wood at paulette.wood@mauipolicefoundation.org or 495-8067.

Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.