Ask the Mayor: What Are the Requirements for an MPD Honor Guard?

MPD seal. File photo.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the questions submitted to his office staff. Submit your own questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, call 270-7855 or send them by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.

Aloha Mayor,

Q: My dad died recently and as I was making funeral arrangements, a friend of his said I should contact Maui police to see if he qualifies for “Honor Guard” services from the department. My dad was a police officer, but only for about five years in the ’70s, so I didn’t think he would qualify for any special services from MPD. Can my dad still be honored by the department in this way?

A: First of all, my condolences on your father’s passing. And yes, your father’s friend is correct. Contact the Community Relations Section of the Maui Police Department. The department will need information from the family.

MPD tells me that you’ll need to provide the date, time and location of your father’s services. Usually the Honor Guards are posted near your loved one’s remains during the viewing portion of the funeral.

Again, my condolences to your family for your loss.