Police thank participants of HI-PAL skate/BMX rally in Honokaa

The Hawaii Police Department and Hawaii Isle Police Activities League, or HI-PAL, would like to congratulate and thank all the participants who came out to the skate/BMX rally on Saturday, July 22, at the Honokaa Skate Park.

Roughly 25 participants, ages seven to 17, competed by demonstrating their best one-minute freestyle, as well as their best trick, with volunteers from the local skating and BMX community judging the contest.

It’s the second time such a skate/BMX event has been held in the Hamakua district, with the last one held in October 2022.

The top three winners from each age category received prizes. All registered participants were treated to bento lunches, drinks and snacks, as well as a free backpack for the upcoming school year. Lucky number prizes were also distributed.

“This event was a great way for police officers to connect with the skateboarding and BMX community,” said Hamakua District School Resource Officer Blake Ragocos, who organized the event. “The kids had fun and it would not have been possible without the great support of the Hamakua community.”

Hawaii Police Department would like to thank all the businesses and organizations that made the skate/BMX rally such a success, including Friends of First Responders, the Honokaa Business Association, HW Fencing, Renewable Energy Services, DARE Hawaii, Oasis Skate Shop, Nations Skate Youth, Monica Ament Interior Design, HI-PAL and the county Parks and Recreation Department.

HI-PAL is a program of the HPD in which police officers interact with youth in various activities as mentors.

This positive connection encourages teamwork, citizenship and responsibility among youth. If your Hamakua community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact Hamakua Community Policing Officers at (808) 775-7533.