Full Notification

Hawai'i Police Department
Acting Administrative Lieutenant Brandon Mansur
Kona Patrol - Area II Operations
Ph.:  808-326-4646 ext. 249

Media Release

Five Hundred West Hawai'i 5^th and 6^th grade student graduates of the DARE Program were recognized at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kona, Friday May 10.  The Hawai'i Police Department, in partnership with DARE Hawai'i, held its first DARE DAY celebration since 2019.  Participating schools included Konawaena Middle, Waikoloa Elementary & Middle, Waimea Elementary & Middle and Kanu O Ka Aina Elementary School.  Prior to Friday, Officers Bryan Young and Justin Cabanting visited each of the schools to teach the 10-week program, which covers decision making, being responsible, bullying and peer pressure.

During the fun-filled event, graduates were able to swim, enjoy an inflatable waterslide, play carnival games to win prizes, basketball, volleyball and watch a live-action role-play scenario which included participation of Police Officers, Fire Personnel with a helicopter rescue, Vice K-9 and Special Response Team (SRT) members. 

Students were also treated to:

• Interactive displays from the Army National Guard Counter Drug Program;
• Army National Guard personnel who landed a Blackhawk helicopter in the field;
• DLNR / DOCARE Officers with jet skis, boats and UTV displays;
• Pohakuloa Fire Department who provided a Fire Truck with water hoses to allow students to spray water at a model home.
• Pizza, tossed salad and li-hing mui fresh fruits for lunch.

Opening ceremonies included the presentation of colors by the Kealakehe JROTC Program Color Guard, and students from Waikoloa Elementary School singing the National Anthem. Kanu O Ka Aina students sang Hawaii Pono`i and an opening prayer was led by Police Chaplain Tammy Delovio. Mayor Mitch Roth, Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz and Council Woman Rebecca Villegas welcomed and congratulated the students on their accomplishment.  Police Officers led the students in reciting a pledge to make good informed decisions and to remember to seek help when needed.