HI-PAL and Hilo Officers Host Outreach Event at Lanakila Housing Complex

The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Police Athletic League (HI-PAL), in partnership with officers from the Hilo Community Policing Section, hosted a youth outreach event on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, for the children of the Lanakila Housing Complex in Hilo.

Part of an ongoing collaboration with the state-run low-income housing community, the event drew 40 keiki, ranging in age from 5 to 17, for an afternoon of games, conversation, and connection with law enforcement.

Outdoor activities included kickball, whiffle ball, and football on the field behind the main office. Despite intermittent rain, the fun continued indoors at the community center, where keiki played carnival-style games like Connect Four and cornhole.

“We are grateful to the Lanakila community for their warm welcome and enthusiastic participation, making this event so impactful,” said Hilo Community Policing Section Lieutenant William Derr, noting that this year’s event had even more participants than last year’s successful program.

These informal interactions provided officers a valuable opportunity to build positive relationships with youth and discuss important topics such as underage drinking and gang involvement. While “talking story” with the kids, officers also shared the core values of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, encouraging keiki to make healthy, informed choices.

The event was a success, with several parents volunteering to assist with the games and distribute items such as Nerf toys and HI-PAL t-shirts. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to keep their children active, engaged, and positively connected with law enforcement.

HI-PAL is a program of the Hawai‘i Police Department that connects officers and youth through mentoring and recreational activities. The program fosters teamwork, citizenship, and personal responsibility.

“Seeing the kids and officers enjoying their time together, strengthening community bonds, and fostering trust between police and our youth is the very essence of HI-PAL’s mission,” added Derr.

For more information on upcoming HI-PAL events, please contact Lieutenant William Derr at (808) 961-2350 or visit the Hawai‘i Police Department’s website at www.hawaiipolice.gov.