Police Celebrate DARE Day Graduates in East Hawai’i

Police Celebrate DARE Graduates in East Hawai’i

The Hawai’i Police Department and School Resource Officers would like to congratulate the 2025 graduates of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

On May 20^th , East Hawai’i DARE graduates from Hilo, Waiakea, and Pahoa intermediate schools, as well as Kalanianaʻole, Honoka‘a, and Pa‘auilo elementary schools celebrated their completion of the DARE program, a nationally recognized initiative teaching students how to make good decisions, be responsible, and handle bullying and peer pressure.

Hosted at the Kawamoto Swim Stadium, the day began with the master of ceremonies, Captain Roy Valera, delivering the opening remarks to over 600 enthusiastic students in attendance. Police Chaplain Renee Godoy gave the benediction followed by Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz opening remarks and words of encouragement before awarding the students with a day of fun and excitement for all of their hard work.

After the opening ceremony and the students reciting the DARE pledge, they were presented with a scenario reenacting a traffic collision. The Hawai’i Police Department worked in conjunction with the Hawai’i County Fire Department in simulating how medics would provide aide in the event of a collision that resulted in severe injuries. The Hawai’i County Fire Department’s rescue helicopter arrived and airlifted the victim out of the area, much to the amazement and cheers of the students. Students were also treated to a demonstration by the Special Response Team (SRT) addressing a bomb threat, utilizing a robot. Members of the Special Response Team including Vice officers simulated an arrest which also included a demonstration from our Vice narcotics detector K9 as well.

The event featured waterslides, swimming, carnival games, tug-of-war and other activities.

The Hawai’i Police Department extends its gratitude to both public and volunteer groups for assisting in this event, as well as to county agencies, particularly the Hawai’i County Council, Parks and Recreation Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawai’i Fire Department for their contributions and generosities.

This year’s event was an incredible success and we would like to send our sincerest mahalo and thank you to all of the donors, businesses, and the community for their support. It is our hope that this DARE Day celebration will continue to grow in appreciation among the students who completed the program.