Airports
Meet the Twins, Shaun and DK (Dennis) Walsh
By: Brian Kamimoto
Sometimes, tragic events can be transformed into something good.
and journey by being incredible role models and being mentors that helped both define and expressed their calling.
The motivation for twins Shaun and DK (Dennis) Walsh to become Airport Fire Fighters and ocean safety and rescue experts within our community, was born out of a tragic event. Their good friend and mentor, Batiste, suffered a devastating surfing injury which left him paralyzed. It was soon after the accident that inspired the twins to become Airport Fire Fighters and become teachers of ocean safety to lifeguards, schools and first responders first began.
As well-known ambassadors of big wave surfing and proponents of ocean safety, the twins have remained very modest and humble and are very respectful to everyone around them, young or old. These attributes are a direct result of great parenting, brotherly love and being around tremendous role models and mentors.
The Walsh family is synonymous to Paia and Jaws as airports are to planes. Parents Kitty, a retired school teacher and Peter, an HC&S retiree, moved to Maui over 30 years ago from Newport Rhode Island and raised four boys. Brother Ian, who was born in Rhode Island, but grew up on Maui, is a world renown big wave surfer. Brother Luke is also a well-known surfer and known for running safety operations for big wave events. All four have been a major influence in their lives
“The best thing ever is knowing that someone we trained had the knowledge to save a life,” said Shaun. For more info on the twin’s water safety and rescue company, Global Aquatics, see https://www. global-aquatics.com/ If you’re visiting Paia town and want some good eats, visit the twin’s go to place, Paia Bowls, https://www.paiabowls.com/.
PAGE 5
