Hawaiʻi Police Department
Administration Services Section
Sergeant Jason Grouns
Phone: (808) 961-2269
Media Release
Once again, the Hawai‘i Police Department is proud to sponsor the largest annual grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawaii, “Badges and Buckets” (formally known as “Cop on Top”). Now in its 20th year, this three-day event features law enforcement officers who will spend their off-duty time perched atop a 10-foot scaffolding at the Hilo and Kona Wal-Mart stores, eating, sleeping and raising awareness for Special Olympics Hawai‘i within the community.
This year the event takes place in Hilo in October and Kona in November on the following dates and times:
- Wal-Mart Hilo: October 5-6, 2023, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
October 7, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Wal-Mart Kona: November 10-11, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
November 12, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Donations collected from Badges and Buckets directly benefit Special Olympics Hawai‘i and their efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes, including opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.
Over the years, the efforts of Hawai‘i Police Department’s officers have raised $250,000 to help provide year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year and a large part of the annual budget is raised through this one event alone.
During this year’s event, there will be numerous, great incentives through donations made by many local sponsors. Special Olympics Hawai‘i will also be giving away visors, caps and t-shirts to those who donate.
For more information on the Badges and Buckets event in East Hawai‘i, contact Officer Shea Nactor, at (808) 961-3066 or shea.nactor@hawaiicounty.gov. For more information on the West Hawai‘i event, contact Officer Joel Furuto, at (808) 326-4646, ext. 259 or joel.furuto@hawaiicounty.gov.
