Brewing better bonds: Several events percolating around the Big Island for National Coffee With a Cop Day

Officers with Hawai‘i Police Department Commmunity Policing Sections around the island want to brew better bonds with members of their communities.

So for the 9th annual National Coffee With a Cop Day on Wednesday, sections in 5 districts are inviting neighbors to have a cup of of joe and talk story during the following times and locations:

• Hilo: 8 to 10 a.m., Starbucks by Prince Kuhio Plaza, 111 E. Puʻainakō St.
  Questions: Hilo Community Policing Section Lt. William Derr, 808-961-2350.
• Pāhoa: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Kohala Coffee Co., 15-2714 Pāhoa Village Road.
  Questions: Puna Community Policing Officer Chad Sato, 808-965-2716.
• Honoka‘a: 7 to 9 a.m., Tex Drive In, 45-690 Pakalana St.
  Questions: Hāmākua Community Policing Officer Joseph Rocha, 808-775-7533.
• Waimea: 7 to 10 a.m., Starbucks, Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway.
  Questions: South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting, 808-887-3080.
• Kona: 8 to 10 a.m., Kona Coffee & Tea Co., Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5588 Palani Road.
  Questions: Kona Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss; 808-326-4646, ext. 257.

National Coffee With a Cop Day began as part of National Community Policing Week in 2016 and is now observed on the first Wednesday of October each year. It furthers efforts to bridge the gap between community and law enforcement.

These get-togethers have no agendas or speeches; they are an informal way for residents to get to know the police officers in their community.

Topics of conversation can range from sharing personal stories to answering questions or even discussing neighborhood or community issues.

“We really enjoy the opportunity to meet with the public at these types of events because it provides us with insights into community concerns,” said Hilo Community Policing Section’s Lt. Derr.

If you are in the area of any of the above events, stop by and join your neighbors — police officers inclued — for a pick-me-up and good conversation.