Keep Keiki Safe and Secure: Free Car Seat Inspection Event Scheduled in Kona

It’s better to be safe than sorry, and that’s especially true when it comes to keiki.

With that in mind, the Hawai‘i Police Department will participate in a child safety seat inspection event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Kona Target parking lot. The free clinic is sponsored by Kona Community Hospital, the state Department of Health and state Judiciary, Target and Partners For Safe Keiki.

Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand Saturday, offering car seat inspections and education to parents and caregivers. The event is being conducted during during Child Passenger Safety Week and Child Passenger Safety Month, which are both observed in September. It will include instruction on how to choose car seats for children with an emphasis on how to install and use them correctly.

Big Island police recognize the importance of strict enforcement of child safety seat and seat belt laws in preventing serious injuries and fatalities. They also know working with the community, helping educate people and answer questions about laws, is key to raising awareness.

“If people have good information, they have a better chance of doing the right thing,” a media release from the police department said.

Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 18-25, raises awareness and highlights the importance of ensuring children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat or seat belt. A child’s age, weight and height play a role in determining proper safety harnesses for keiki, so it’s important for parents and caregivers to stay up to date with all regulations and suggestions.

For more information about Saturday’s event, call Sandy Tomiyama at 808-896-1940.