Retired Maui Police Lt. David John Kalanakila "Buzzy" Marciel, Sr., 84, formerly of Pukalani, Maui, passed away on October 29, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Lt. Marciel served in the Hana, Molokai, Lahaina and Wailuku districts as a patrol officer and lieutenant, detective and finally the Community Relations Officer.A 1957 St. Louis High School graduate, Lt. Marciel served in the Hawaii Air National Guard before joining the Honolulu Police Department in September 1967. He transferred to Maui Police Department (MPD) in August 1969.
At the time of his retirement in 1993, there were few in Maui County who had not benefitted from his tireless efforts as the MPD Community Relations Officer. He was responsible for reestablishing the police chaplaincy program, developing Neighborhood Watch programs, working with the Department of Education to obtain a grant for the Law and Justice Awareness program, and initiating the DARE Program on Maui. Other accomplishments included bicycle safety programs, seat belt advocacy, crime prevention and teaching the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse in schools. Because of his hard work, he won the 1987 Policeman of the Year for Maui County and the state of Hawaii.
To his family and friends, David was known as an amazing cook, winning the Sam Choy Poke Contest in 1997. He was also known for his home-smoked bacon and Portuguese sausage. He loved to talk story, share his knowledge of Hawaiiana and never knew a stranger.
David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth, and son David, Jr. (Deanna), Prineville, Oregon; Ahna (Joel) Mink, San Antonio, Texas; Kristin (Robert) Bickerstaff, Rocklin, California, and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He is sorely missed for his fun-loving, infectious humor, home-cooked meals and fierce love of his ohana and many friends.
A Celebration of David Marciel's Life will be held on January 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at Grace Bible Church, 635 Hina Ave., Kahului, Maui. Aloha attire is requested. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Feed My Sheep, P.O. Box 847, Pu'unene 96784.
