Hawaiʻi Police Department briefs for June 9: Keiki bowling, DARE Day, beach clean up scavenger hunt and upcoming poke contest

Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League hosts first annual keiki bowling event

Twenty keiki participated in the first Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League bowling event in Kailua-Kona last month.

Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section and Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League provided a fun and welcoming environment where youth could enjoy bowling while building positive connections with Hawai‘i Police Department officers at KBXtreme.

Each keiki received a complimentary game card from KBXtreme and the three bowlers with the highest scores were also recognized with special awards for their outstanding performances.

Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League is a Hawai‘i Police Department program in which police officers engage with youth in various recreational and educational activities while serving as mentors. These positive interactions help encourage teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and trust between youth and law enforcement.

“This type of event was a first for us,” said Sergeant Wyattlane Nahale of the Kona Community Policing Section. “It provided an excellent opportunity to connect with kids beyond our regular sports activities. We look forward to planning more creative community outreach events for our island keiki in the future.”

Police host scavenger hunt beach clean up

Fifteen volunteers worked together to help keep Kona’s coastline clean and safe, collecting five bags and five buckets of litter and marine debris from the shoreline.

The cleanup was hosted by the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section, Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League, and Miss Aloha Hawaiʻi 2025 Scarlette Burnham-Rosario at Old Airport Recreation Area in Kailua-Kona on May 16.

To make the cleanup both educational and engaging, participants also took part in a scavenger hunt challenge, searching for commonly discarded items such as plastic bottles, bottle caps, straws, food wrappers, fishing line, aluminum cans, and other marine debris for an opportunity to win prizes.

The event highlighted the importance of mālama ʻāina and environmental stewardship while raising awareness about the impacts of litter and marine debris on Hawaiʻi’s beaches, coastal ecosystems, and marine life.

 Nearly 500 keiki participate west Hawaiʻi DARE Day event

Approximately 486 students from Konawaena, Hōnaunau, Waikoloa, Waimea, and Kohala schools converged on Kona for a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and recognition for their hard work and commitment to making safe and responsible choices.

The Hawai‘i Police Department hosted DARE DAY 2026 on May 19 at the Kona Community Aquatic Center and Gym in Kailua-Kona to celebrate the accomplishments of 5th and 6th grade students who successfully completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program.

The event opened with a formal presentation featuring remarks from the Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto from the Mayor’s Office and the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Assistant Chief Rio Amon-Wilkins. Both speakers praised the students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue making positive decisions.

One of the day’s major highlights was a thrilling live-action joint response scenario conducted by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, Special Response Team, Vice West K9 Officers, and the Hawai‘i Fire Department Rescue personnel alongside Chopper 1. Students watched in awe as first responders demonstrated teamwork, specialized tactics, and emergency response capabilities in a fast-paced and educational presentation.

After the presentation, students had fun playing carnival-style games with DARE officers and special guest Darren the Lion. They also cooled off in the refreshing waters of the Kona pool, spending time with classmates and friends while celebrating their DARE completion.

“We would like to thank the many supporters that came out to make this day successful,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting. “This event would not have been possible without the partnership of our schools, agencies, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who continue to invest in our youth.”

Fifteen volunteers worked together to help keep Kona’s coastline clean and safe, collecting five bags and five buckets of litter and marine debris from the shoreline.

The cleanup was hosted by the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section, Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League, and Miss Aloha Hawaiʻi 2025 Scarlette Burnham-Rosario at Old Airport Recreation Area in Kailua-Kona on May 16.

To make the cleanup both educational and engaging, participants also took part in a scavenger hunt challenge, searching for commonly discarded items such as plastic bottles, bottle caps, straws, food wrappers, fishing line, aluminum cans, and other marine debris for an opportunity to win prizes.

The event highlighted the importance of mālama ʻāina and environmental stewardship while raising awareness about the impacts of litter and marine debris on Hawaiʻi’s beaches, coastal ecosystems, and marine life.

Inaugural keiki poke contest set for next weekend

Registration is open for the inaugural Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League Keiki Poke Contest for keiki 5 to 17-years old.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section, along with Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort and Bryan Fujikawa, executive chef and owner of KGH Catering, is hosting the contest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jun 20 at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona.

Designed to inspire and support the next generation of young cooks, the contest will introduce participants to the culinary arts through a fun, educational, and hands-on experience. Contestants will have the opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence in the kitchen, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions and heritage of poke.

The contest is limited to 15 participants and will be divided into three age groups: ages 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17. For safety and support, contestants may be accompanied by an adult throughout the competition. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all fish will be pre-cut in advance, allowing participants to focus on seasoning, creativity, and presentation.

More than a competition, the Hawaiʻi Isle Police Activities League Keiki Poke Contest aims to provide a positive environment where keiki can learn new skills, express their creativity, and develop a greater appreciation for Hawaiʻi’s rich culinary traditions.

A completed waiver form is required for each participant. To register for the Keiki Poke Contest or obtain a waiver form, contact Officer Tyler Meno at tyler.meno@hawaiipolice.gov.

Interested participants are encouraged to register early, as space is limited to 15 contestants.