Samaritan offers to replace stolen tarp

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer

'EWA BEACH — It appears that the students at Messiah Lutheran Church and School will have a shaded place to eat lunch after all.

A Good Samaritan said he will pay for a new tarp to replace the stolen 30-foot-by-20-foot canvas tarp that sheltered seven picnic benches on the church lanai.

Church pastor Patrick Poock said the tarp was taken sometime over the weekend, and the situation forced the school's 50 students back into their crowded classrooms for lunch.

Jim Banigan, general manager of Hawai'i Metal Recycling Co. at Campbell Industrial Park, heard about the school's plight on a radio talk show and called the station offering to help.

After talking to Poock yesterday, Banigan said he told the pastor "to go out and get a quote for the tarp, and I'll cut him a check."

"It was just the right thing to do," Banigan said. "It's sad when someone has to steal things from a school or church."

Since the story ran in Tuesday's Advertiser, Poock said he's been getting calls from around the island offering replacement tarps and monetary donations. He thanked the community for the support and said the church is looking at ways to improve security.

"We pray for God's riches and blessings on all who called and offered to help," Poock said.

Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.