KAILUA-KONA — Richard M. Rogers knew he had to be there.
The Kailua-Kona man, who is gay, came because of the stress and anxiety he’s felt since he first heard news of the disaster.
“It just ripped at my heart,” he said about his reaction to the murder of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, during a Friday night vigil attended by more than 50 supporters for the victims and members of the gay community Friday night at Old Kona Airport Park.
Omar Mateen, the killer, did not say he was specifically targeting gay people, but he did claim ties to the anti-gay group ISIS. That, along with Pulse being a popular gay venue, has created or reignited fears for gay people and those connected to them, some said.
For Rogers, conquering the fear is possible through love and support.
“Just get past it,” he said, making a pushing gesture toward the ocean and into the sea breeze.
He hoped the others would be able to do so as well.
That included people like Julie Usinger of Kailua-Kona, whose son is gay and living in Colorado.
“Your fear as a parent is how they’ll be accepted by society,” she said. “Everybody should feel loved and feel safe.”
The crowd spilled out from the pavilion and onto the surrounding beach.
Several were from Alix Nelson’s bike polo team, who visited before starting practice at the nearby rink. Nelson moved from Orlando to the Big Island with his girlfriend, Melanie Diehl, two years ago, and had an especially personal tie to the tragedy. The couple were fortunate that none of their close friends were killed or injured, but many within their social circle died. Pulse, a club he knew, was also a popular place with the larger community, Nelson said, which is known for its special event nights and drink specials.
“A lot of people were there for the salsa dancing and the $2 drinks,” he said.
One of their friends can’t go home as a result because his apartment is across the street and wrapped into the investigation area.
So far from home, showing up for the vigil is one way they can show support, he said, in additional to the financial aid they have donated.
The event was hosted by Aloha Metropolitan Church Kona along with its sister congregation, Pahoa-based Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church. As the sun set, the group read the names of the dead and lit a for each person.
They also had people write messages on a banner that will be sent to Orlando to show this island’s support.
“We are all sacred and loved in the eye of the creator,” said Barbara Riley, also known as Reverend Leilani, of the Aloha Metropolitan Church Kona, for the reason they assembled. “To bring the community some hope in a time of tragedy.”
Another vigil will be at 8 p.m. tonight at My Bar in the Kona Old Industrial Park. The vigils may seem small, or far away in the face of terror, but they make a difference, supporters said.
“It takes a lot of love to make up for all that hate,” Usinger said.
