The Coast Guard Foundation Salutes the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii Ahead of the Service's 236th Birthday

On July 23, the Coast Guard Foundation hosted its annual Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii to celebrate the dedication of service members to their mission and the people they keep safe. Held at the Ho’okupu Center in Honolulu, 240 people attended as donors, sponsors, supporters, and current active members of the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Formerly known as District 14, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Oceania District is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. It covers a massive area of responsibility spanning more than 14 million square miles across the Central and Western Pacific. Their core operations in Hawaii involve search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and security, aids to navigation, and marine safety and environmental protection.

This year alone, the Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard dinner raised $195,700 to continue the support for programs that provide comprehensive aid to the U.S. Coast Guard.

In the 22 years since the dinner’s inception, the Coast Guard Foundation and their donors have raised over $4.6 million in support of programs that aid Coast Guard members and their families. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors: ILWU Longshoremen, Matson, Pasha, Foss, Young Brothers, Island Energy, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&R Water Taxi, Pacific Marine, Pacific Shipyards, Par Hawaii, Preferred Transportation, Sause Bros., American Marine, PENCO, AA Electric, Community Fund, Hickam Communities, Island Palm Communities, GP Energy Company, Hawaii Gas, Hawaii Harbor Users Group, Hawaii Longline Association, Hawaii Pilots Association, MCA Cruise Services, and Shipwright. 

The Coast Guard Foundation partnered with several generous sponsors to raise funds for crucial programs. Top sponsors for the event included ILWU Longshoremen, Matson, and Pasha Hawaii. All proceeds from this tribute to Hawaii’s U.S. Coast Guard forces will fund scholarships and grants for members and their families, morale and wellness initiatives, disaster and tragedy relief, and so much more in critical support efforts as their service to the mission continues. 

Coast Guard Foundation Salute Dinner Committee: William Anonsen, Captain Sinclair Brown, Mike Buelsing, Lisa DeCambra, Steen Christensen, Fran DeNinno, Blaine Gemeno, Carlos Gonzalez, Randy Grune, Janet Hong, Mac MacDonald, Rear Admiral Jim McClelland, John, Mihlbauer, Jr., Alicia Moy, Kuʻuhaku Park, Melissa Pavlicek, Captain John Peacock, and Admiral Paul Zukunft

Because of the leadership of an exceptional committee, the Salute was a success and a pivotal opportunity for connection between donors and the beneficiaries.

With his initial remarks, Tom Allegretti, Chairman of the Coast Guard Foundation, stated: “Now, in this 250th year of our nation, and in the 236th year of our Coast Guard, America is asking the Coast Guard to do more than it has ever done before. In response, the Service is investing in new ships, aircraft, and advanced technologies, and a 30% increase in personnel, to meet the challenges our nation faces.”

This is where the support of the Coast Guard Foundation and its donors proves invaluable. More personnel and mission expansion mean the need will be greater than ever before.

In addition to her thanks to sponsors and major partners, Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance of the impact that their contributions make on U.S. Coast Guard families. 

 Title Image: Coast Guard members and guests enjoy the Coast Guard Foundation’s Salute to the U.S. Coast Guard in Hawaii at the Ho’okupu Center in Honolulu on July 23, 2026.