Hawai’i Police Department
Hilo Community Policing Section
Community Policing Lieutenant William Derr
Phone: (808) 961-2350
Media Release
Hawai‘i Police Department’s Police Athletic League (HI-PAL) and officers with the Hilo Community Policing Section held an outreach event on Friday, June 28, 2024, for the children of the Lanakila Housing Complex in Hilo. Part of an ongoing collaboration between HI-PAL and the Lanakila Housing Complex, a state-run low income housing program, 30 keiki ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers participated in various sporting activities with officers, such as kickball, wiffleball, and flag football.
“It was great seeing the kids enjoy themselves with the officers on a beautiful Hawaiian day,” said Lieutenant William Derr, of Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section.
As part of the activities, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Bike Patrol unit demonstrated bike safety and answered kids’ questions.
The response was overwhelmingly positive for all involved and future plans are being made to continue providing safe and responsible activities that foster a positive relationship between the police and youth. HPD would like to thank Waiakea Water for donating water to keep the kids hydrated and healthy during the event.
HI-PAL is a program of the Hawai‘i Police Department in which police officers interact with youth in various activities as mentors. This positive connection encourages teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility among youth.
If your Hilo community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Officers at (808) 961-8849.
