Changes announced in funeral for fallen officer

OFFICER BRONSON KALILOA (Hawaii Police Department photo)
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HILO — Police have announced scheduling changes for Saturday’s services for fallen Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on July 17.

A family-only visitation will take place from 7:30 -8:30 a.m. at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.

A special visitation only for first responders and dignitaries will be from 8:30-10 a.m.

The service is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m.

A public viewing will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public, but visitation with the Kaliloa family will be limited to immediate family members, close friends, dignitaries, first-responder personnel and their families.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, the public will be allowed access to the lower level of the auditorium to view the display.

A funeral procession will follow the service, leaving the auditorium at 12:30 p.m. The procession, limited to family members and Puna patrol officers, will travel to the Pahoa police station and return to Hilo, pass the Hilo police station, and conclude at Homelani Memorial Park.

A burial service is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. at Homelani. It will include a 21-gun salute to the fallen officer and an aerial drop of flowers, weather permitting.

The burial service also is open to the public.

Meanwhile, donations are still being accepted on a GoFundMe page set up for Kaliloa’s family by the wife of another Puna patrol officer.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page, titled “Kaliloa ‘Ohana” had raised $51,565 for the officer’s widow, Casey Kaliloa, and the couple’s three children — sons Samson Ko‘olau Kaliloa and Nathan Kaulana Kaliloa, and daughter Grace Kehaulani Kaliloa.

The family has posted a response on the online fundraising page, which says it is “overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of love and support.”

“Officer Bronson Kaliloa was an amazing human who loved his wife and three babies more than life itself, who was a devoted and caring son to the parents he left behind, and who served and protected his community with loyalty, strength and courage,” the response said. “Thank you for honoring his life with your gift, and for allowing his family to grieve without the added burden of financial worry.”

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/kaliloa-ohana.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.