KPD David Banquel remembered as selfless

LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Police Department Sgt. David Banquel will be remembered as selfless, according to officials who announced his off-duty passing.

Banquel, 47, was found unresponsive at his Hanapepe home while off duty on Tuesday, according to KPD. His death is attributed to acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19. This is the 19th COVID-19 related fatality the island has recorded.

“I am deeply saddened to report the unexpected loss of one of our very best, Sergeant David Banquel. His sudden passing has left us all with a sense of deep loss and grief,” Chief of Police Todd Raybuck said in a statement. “My words can never truly express the depth of Dave’s kindness, compassion, and love that he had had for his family, friends, and this community. He was the very embodiment of the definition of a loving husband, caring father, loyal brother, thoughtful friend and humble public servant.”

Banquel, who served with KPD for 17 years, was remembered by Raybuck as selfless.

“Dave always placed others before himself and he will forever be remembered for the laughter, love, and aloha he shared with friends and strangers alike,” he said. “We appreciate the kind support received from our community during this difficult time as we grieve the loss of a member of our KPD ‘ohana. No further statements will be provided at this time, and I humbly request that Dave’s family be given the space and privacy they deserve as they mourn their loss.”

Mayor Derek Kawakami also expressed his grief for the passing of Banquel, a member of KPD’s 74th Recruit Class.

“Every fatality that we announce is heartbreaking, but this individual was someone I called a friend,” Kawakami said Friday. “There are no words that can fully express the grief we feel when someone we love passes. To his family, friends, co-workers, and our entire community, our hearts and prayers are with you all.”