Kealakehe Police Station hosts first Kūpuna Day in Kona
A group of 40-plus seniors participated in the inaugural event aimed at bridging gaps and building trust with Hawaiʻi Police Department.
7 hours ago
More than 40 kūpuna recently participated in Hawai’i Police Department Kona Community Policing Section’s inaugural Kūpuna Day, learning more about the police officers working throughout West Hawaiʻi and getting a tour of Kealakehe Police Station.
Kona Community Policing Section aims to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the Hawaiʻi Island senior community through education, engagement and fellowship.
The event was hosted in partnership with Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation Elderly Activities Division, which coordinated participation from Hale Hālāwai, ʻImi Center and Yano Hall.
The day began with the guided tour of Kealakehe Police Station, during which participants met personnel from several specialized units and learned about the many services Hawaiʻi Police Department provides.
It also featured an interactive K-9 demonstration presented by Vice West Section and Area II Juvenile Aid Section.
The police station tour was followed by lunch provided by Denny’s Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center. Kūpuna and officers broke bread together while having an opportunity to continue conversations in a relaxed setting, further strengthening community connections.
“Our first-ever Kūpuna Day was about creating meaningful opportunities to connect with the seniors in our community,” said Kona Community Policing Section Sgt. Wyattlane Nahale in a department release about the event’s success. “By opening our doors, sharing what we do, and spending time together, we’re building relationships that foster trust, understanding, and partnership. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.”
