The Hawaii Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section, in partnership with Maha Village Neighborhood Watch, co-sponsored the Lonoikamakahiki Catch-and-Release Fishing Tournament Nov. 19 at the Lehia Beach Park in the Keaukaha area of Hilo.
Roughly 50 keiki, ranging in age from 5 to 16, celebrated the winter season by participating in the community event, which included games for children of all ages, live music, and lunch prepared by the community.
The Hawaii Police Activities League (HI-PAL) also donated prizes to the winners of the fishing tournament.
In addition to co-sponsoring the fishing tournament, members of the Hilo Community Policing Section set up a table at the event to “talk story” with community members. These type of informal, nonenforcement outreach efforts help to build positive relationships by “bridging the gap” between police and the public.
They also provide important opportunities for the community to see police officers as members of the community in which they serve.
If your community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact the Community Policing Section at (808) 961-8849.