Forever an island boy, Dave Benson, visionary leader and mover and shaker, who left an indelible mark on Hawaii through his work with troubled youth, community events, and Rotary, passed away peacefully on April 2nd overlooking the waves he loved off Diamond Head.
Dave was born in the historic Shingle Hospital in Ho’olehua, Molokai to the island doctor, Homer Benson, and Dorothy Clarke Benson. When the country entered World War II, the family moved to O’ahu, where Dave received his early education at Hanahau’oli School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He later earned a Bachelor’s Degree summa cum laude from Chaminade University and a Master’s from Castleton University in Vermont.
Dave, a natural leader with a strong sense of justice, pursued a career in law enforcement. In his 30 years with the Honolulu Police Department, he rose to the rank of Major, was Administrative Assistant to Chief Douglas Gibb, and Commander of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Division. In 1990, he was a finalist in the national search for HPD Chief of Police. Dave moved to Vermont after being chosen Chief of Police in Castleton, Vermont, and finished his law enforcement career with 10 years as Deputy Sheriff in Rutland County, Vermont. He then used his experience to teach Law Enforcement and Ethics at the University of Phoenix.
As a road runner, Dave was invited by running guru Dr. Jack Scaff to the Honolulu Marathon Association Board and later served as the Honolulu Marathon Race Director for four years. Showcasing his ability to combine dedication with a sense of fun, he co-created the Honolulu Symphony Fun Run. Lighthearted runners, walkers, and stroller-pushers will fondly recall the 11-year Symphony Fun Runs through Kahala to raise money for the Honolulu Symphony. When he presented the project at the American Symphony Orchestra League in Detroit, the Honolulu Symphony Fun Run won the National Grand Prize for Outstanding Fund-raising Event.
Tragically, Dave's sons Bobby and Michael both died within three years - Bobby by suicide after marijuana abuse and brushes with the law, and Michael in a traffic accident. Dave began thinking of how to establish the help needed by adolescents struggling with substance abuse. It took four years and help with fund-raising for Dave to co-found the Bobby Benson Center in Kahuku, a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility for adolescents. He then started the Great Hawaiian Relays, a 24-hour relay fund-raiser for the Center. In its 33-year history, the Center has helped roughly 2500 young people. Dave sat on the Center’s board for 33 years until his death. And, knowing Mike’s generous personality, his parents donated his organs and he became the donor for Hawaii’s historic first heart transplant.
Looking to reduce emphasis on alcohol for having fun, Dave co-created the extremely popular First Night Honolulu, an alcohol-free celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve throughout greater downtown Honolulu. In each of the following years, 100,000 celebrants participated.
The insightful Alice Tucker, invited Dave to the Rotary Club of Honolulu. He joined and his life-long passion for Rotary began. In Vermont, he joined the Fair Haven Rotary Club, serving at the club and district level. He was District Governor for District 7870 - New Hampshire and Vermont - during Rotary’s Centennial Year. True to form, Dave created the popular 24-Hour Relay in Keene, NH, to raise funds for Rotary’s fight against polio. In 2010, District 7870 named him District Treasure.
Returning to Hawaii, Dave rejoined the Rotary Club of Honolulu and served for six years as District Centennial Park Chair, leading the transformation of an unused, littered block in Waikiki into a green park, inaugurated in 2021. He ended his Rotary calling with the Rotary Club of Waikiki.
Dave’s awards include:
The Golden Rule National Award, J.C. Penney
“Ten Who Made A Difference,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Honorable Mention, President George Bush’s 1000 Points of Light
Drug Buster Award for the State of Hawaii, Fifty State Roll of Honor, USA Today.
Dave was predeceased by his sons Bobby and Mike. Survivors include his wife Cindy, twin daughters Sherri Rietow and Laurie Cabuag Ogata, brother Randy Benson, sister Jane Benson, daughter- and son-in-law Lisa and Russell Wong, hanai son Toby San Luis, grandchildren Lauren Cabuag and Bryson Cabuag, and great-grandchildren Haylee Cabuag, Major Porter-Cabuag, and Monroe Porter-Cabuag.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bobby Benson Center, 56-660 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku HI 96731 or at bobbybenson.org.
A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 1st at Borthwick Mortuary, 1330 Maunakea St, Honolulu. Coffee/Visitation at 10 a.m. Celebration at 11 a.m.
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