Last month, the Hawai‘i County Police Department hosted DARE DAY 2026 at the Kona Community Aquatic Center and Gym.

The event celebrated the accomplishments of 5th and 6th grade students who successfully completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program.

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

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.

Supporting the students and participating in the celebration were representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 3R’s Program, PTA Fire, PTA Police, and DOCARE Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

As the event came to a close, students boarded their buses carrying prizes, memories, and smiles as they returned to their respective campuses after a memorable day celebrating achievement, friendship, and positive choices.

HPD Photo