Hawaiʻi Police Activities League host creative, team-based events to foster community trust

The Hawai‘i Police Activities League (HI-PAL) encourages creativity and teamwork with upcoming events in April.

While HI-PAL fosters fun opportunities for children, these events are also a chance for law enforcement to spend time with the community and build trust between the youth and law enforcement.

Kona Keiki Easter Egg Decorating Contest

To celebrate the Easter holiday, the Kona Community Policing Section and HI-PAL are hosting a Kona Keiki Easter Egg Decorating Contest at the Keauhou Shopping Center events courtyard. Children 17 years and under are encouraged to sign up and participate in this enjoyable, family-friendly event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2.

Participants will have the opportunity to decorate eggs using a variety of creative materials and showcase their artistic talents. Prizes may be awarded for the most creative designs.

In addition to the contest, officers will offer free Keiki ID for parents and guardians who would like identification for their children.

For more information, contact Officer Leonard Warren of Kona Community Policing by email at leonard.warren@hawaiicounty.gov, or call 808-326-4646 ext. 258.

HI-PAL Outrigger Canoe Regatta

The following weekend, HI-PAL will team up with Kai ʻŌpua Canoe Club and Kai ʻEhitu Canoe Club for the fourth annual HI-PAL Outrigger Canoe Regatta in Kona at the Kailua Pier, 75-5664 Kaʻahumanu Place.

There will be 14 events where participants can compete with their club teammates, high school teammates, or friends who may paddle for a different club or high school.

Children age 12 to 18 and clubs are encouraged to sign up now to participate in the HI-PAL Outrigger Canoe Regatta from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m., and a lunch and award ceremony will follow the last race.

Each participant, or the legal guardian of each participant, must complete an HI-PAL permission and release form. To obtain the necessary forms, contact Officer Warren at 808-326-4646 ext. 258, or by email at leonard.warren@hawaiicounty.gov.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

In January, 48 teams of 240 children from across Hawaiʻi Island played 100 fast-paced games at the outdoor courts adjacent to Kekuaokalani Gym as part of the Kona HI-PAL 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

The two-day tournament emphasized teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive youth engagement through basketball while providing officers an opportunity to connect with youth and families in a non-enforcement setting.

Police officials said the two-day tournament is a positive outlet for children. While strengthening community partnerships, the event promotes healthy competition, sportsmanship, and fun through positive youth engagement.

Divisions were divided by age – ages 5 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12, 13 to 14, and 14 and older.

The tournament winners by age division are listed below:

Ages 5-6
1st – Pālikī
2nd – Stingrays Blue
3rd – Hokulele

Ages 7-8
1st – Alakaʻi White
2nd – Hokulele
3rd – Stingrays

Ages 9-10
1st – Stingrays Blue
2nd – Kānaka Black
3rd – Hokulele 1

Ages 11-12
1st – Swish 2
2nd – Swish 1
3rd – Pālikī

Ages 13-14
1st – Swish
2nd – Stingrays
3rd – NSP Gold

14U Girls
1st – Stingrays White
2nd – DNA
3rd – Stingrays