West Hawai‘i keiki enjoy fun-filled DARE Day graduation event

More than 500 fifth- and sixth-grade West Hawai‘i students celebrated graduating from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, program and were honored at the end of the school year during a fun-filled event at Kekuaokalani Gym in Kona.

DARE grads from Konawaena Middle, Waikōloa Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Kanu o ka ‘Āina Elementary as well as Kohala Elementary and Intermediate schools celebrated completing the program, a national initiative that marks its 40th anniversary in Hawai‘i this year.

Hawai‘i Police Department Officers Bryan Young, Justin Cabanting, Kuilee Dela Cruz and Eddie Lewis visited each of the schools to teach the 10-week program, which covers decision-making, being responsible, bullying and peer pressure.

Graduates were able to swim, play carnival games to win prizes, play basketball and volleyball during the fun-filled DARE Day.

Students watched live-action role-play scenarios, including members of Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice K9 unit and Special Response Team, as well as Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel conducting a helicopter rescue.

Students were treated to a free lunch of pizza, salad and li-hing mui fresh fruits, and also got to peruse interactive displays from:

• Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers with personal watercrafts, boats and utility terrain vehicle displays.
• Pōhakuloa Training Area Fire Department, which provided a fire truck with water hoses to allow students to spray water at a model home.
• Pōhakuloa Training Area police officers.
• Hawai‘i Army National Guard Counter Drug Program.
• Friends of First Responders.
• Hawai‘i Youth Academy Job Challenge.
• Aloha Maps.
• Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff’s Division.
• Civil Air Patrol.
• Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.
• Hawai‘i Fire Department.
• Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation.
• Diamond Towing.

Opening ceremonies included the presentation of colors by Civil Air Patrol Kona Wing Squadron and students from Waikōloa Elementary School singing the national anthem. Kanu o ka ‘Āina students sang “Hawai‘i Pono‘i.”

Police officers also led the students in reciting a pledge to make good, informed decisions and remember to seek help when needed.