WAIPOULI — The appearance of the Ocean Safety Bureau Roving Patrol unit rolling into the driveway of the Sheraton Kaua‘i at Coconut Beach caught the Hawai‘i National Guardsmen by surprise, Friday.
“We’re providing meals for them, and the other first responders,” said Chris Machorek, the Sheraton Kaua‘i Kapa‘a manager. “These lifeguards are sometimes overlooked. We appreciate the work they do just as much as the work being done by all of the first responders in keeping us safe.”
The OSB Roving Patrol unit arranged to pick up and deliver the meals to lifeguards on duty at towers from Lydgate Park through Anahola, including the Kealia Beach tower as part of its routine patrolling the coastline of choppy, wind-blown surf on Christmas.
“We even took care of the United States Coast Guard, Thursday,” Barbara Gusman of the Sales Department said. “They are another group of people who are often overlooked, but also provide critical homeland security as well as rescue services for us. They came to pick up a Chef Lucas Sautter-prepared ham so they could have a unit Christmas meal at the Nawiliwili station.”
Other first responders receiving meals prepared by Sheraton Kaua‘i at Coconut Beach Chef Lucas Sautter and his culinary staff included the Kaua‘i Police Department, two stations of the Kaua‘i Fire Department – both the Kapa‘a and Ka‘ikea stations — and the American Medical Response ambulance station in Kapa‘a.
“We have been very fortunate,” Machorek said. “We have the Hawai‘i National Guard contract, and having the troops staying here. That alone keeps us from being empty like some of the other properties on Kaua‘i. We are truly grateful because the Hawai‘i National Guard, and the support from residents are what keeps our doors open, and some of our staff working.”
“And, don’t forget the pie,” the general manager reminded the food package pick ups.
Each of the first responders was provided with a meal of baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and the special apple pie topped with whipped cream.
“It’s been a tough year,” Machorek said. “I’m so ready for 2021.”
