Posted on: Thursday, April 29, 2004

Event will aid Maui firefighter

Advertiser Staff

A veteran Maui firefighter who has saved numerous lives during his 17-year career is now battling to save his own life and needs the public's help to defray medical costs for cancer treatment.

A fundraiser golf tournament for Capt. Charlie Iwata will be held at the Dunes of Maui Lani golf course May 15 starting at 7 a.m.

Iwata, 42, who works at the Wailea station, was diagnosed March 25 with a rare form of lung cancer called bronchoalveolar carcinoma, according to friends. His only hope is to undergo costly medical procedures because his cancer cannot be treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, his friends said.

Iwata worked rescue for several years before his promotion to captain. He has two sons, Jordan, 19, and Davin, 16.

The tournament is a scramble format with two-player teams. Entry is $100 per player and includes cart, green fee, a hole-in-one competition for a Ford truck and an awards luncheon at the Hale Nanea Club House at 2 p.m.

Guests and non-golfers may attend the luncheon for $20. Individuals or organizations can sponsor holes, donate prizes, or make donations to the "Friends of Charlie Iwata" fund.

To register for the tournament or to contribute prizes, call Cindy or Kay on Maui at 270-7564. Donations to the "Friends of Charlie Iwata" fund can be sent to 200 Dairy Road, Kahului, HI, 96732. Checks payable to "Friends of Charlie Iwata."