Big Island Police Participate in Keaukaha Summer of Fun Event

Big Island police got to have some summer fun with keiki this week during an event in Keaukaha.

As part of their ongoing efforts to promote positive police interactions and inspire keiki for careers in law enforcement, personnel from several divisions of the Hawai‘i Police Department participated in the Keaukaha Summer of Fun event Tuesday, June 21, at the Kawānanakoa Gym. Fifty students in grades K-7 heard presentations from members of the department’s Special Response Team, Area I Vice Section’s narcotics K-9 handlers, Hilo Community Policing Section and Community Relations.

Keiki were able to check out the department’s Special Response Team armored bearcat tactical vehicle, as well as operate the team’s tactical robot. They also got to go into a marked interceptor emergency vehicle and operate its emergency lighting system, siren and public announcement system. Students even had the chance to pet and interact with the department’s narcotics K-9s under the supervision of the K-9 handlers and watched the K-9s demonstrate their abilities.

Officers answered questions about their specific roles in law enforcement and promoted safety tips during the school summer break. Keiki ID’s were also issued to all 50 students to further promote safety.

The Keaukaha Summer of Fun is one of many events HPD will be involved in throughout the year as officers continue to collaborate with various community organizations to provide children with opportunities to have positive interactions with law enforcement.