HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF
LAWRENCE K. MAHUNA
PHONE: 961-2244
MAY 11, 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
The public is invited to attend Police Week festivities planned for Monday, May 14, in Hilo and Wednesday, May 16, in Kona.
In 1962 President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, to honor officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. He proclaimed the week it falls in as Police Week, which recognizes the service of the men and women who protect our community around the clock.
This year’s Big Island events begin at 10 a.m. on May 14 with a formal program at the Hilo police station to pay tribute to fallen officers from the Hawaii Police Department.
After the formal ceremony, police will present demonstrations and displays lasting until 1 p.m. During that time:
• Vice officers will present a display on how to identify illegal drugs.
• Community Police Officers will offer Keiki ID kits.
• Traffic Enforcement Officers will demonstrate radar units and help members of the public install child safety seats in their cars.
At 11:30 the Police Department’s Special Response Team will demonstrate how its officers make a felony stop on a vehicle. During that time, the public also can get an up-close look at the Police Department’s special vehicles, including the Mobile Command Van, which is designed for use during major events, such as natural disasters.
A similar celebration will be offered for West Hawaii residents on Wednesday, May 16, at the Kulana O Kalani Gym at the old Kona Airport. Ceremonies begin there at 10 a.m. followed by the same demonstrations and displays. In addition, Vice officers will conduct a demonstration with a police canine trained at detecting illegal drugs at 11:15 a.m. The Special Response Team demonstration and police vehicle display will take place at approximately the same time.
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