Hawai‘i Police Department
Hāmākua Patrol
Captain Reynold Kahalewai
(808) 775-7533
Media Release
The Hawai‘i Police Department and HI-PAL (Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League) would like to congratulate and thank all the participants who came out to the Skate/BMX Rally on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Honoka‘a 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 Hāmākua district, with the last once 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 Hāmākua 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 Hāmākua community.”
Hawai‘i 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, Honoka‘a Business Association, HW Fencing, Renewable Energy Services, DARE Hawaii, Oasis Skate Shop, Nations Skate Youth, Monica Ament Interior Design, HI-PAL, and the County of Hawai‘i Parks and Recreation Department.
HI-PAL is a program of the Hawaii 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 Hāmākua community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hāmākua Community Policing Officers at (808) 775-7533.
