The Hawai‘i County Police Department’s Police Athletic League (HI-PAL), in partnership with officers from the Hilo Community Policing Section, recently hosted a youth outreach event for children of the Lanakila Housing Complex in Hilo.

Part of an ongoing collaboration with the state-run low-income housing community, the event drew 40 keiki, ranging in age from 5 to 17, for an afternoon of games, conversation, and connection with law enforcement.

Outdoor activities included kickball, whiffle ball, and football on the field behind the main office. Despite intermittent rain, the fun continued indoors at the community center, where keiki played carnival-style games like Connect Four and cornhole.

These informal interactions provided officers an opportunity to build positive relationships with youth and discuss important topics such as underage drinking and gang involvement. While “talking story” with the kids, officers also shared the core values of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, encouraging keiki to make healthy, informed choices.

For information on upcoming HI-PAL events, contact Lieutenant William Derr at (808) 961-2350.
HPD Photo