Nearly 500 Keiki Participate West Hawaii DARE Day Event

The Hawai‘i Police Department proudly hosted DARE DAY 2026 on May 19, 2026, at the Kona Community Aquatic Center and Gym in Kailua-Kona, celebrating the accomplishments of 5th and 6th grade students who successfully completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program.

Approximately 486 students from Konawaena, Hōnaunau, Waikoloa, Waimea, and Kohala schools converged on Kona to reunite with their DARE Officers and special guest Darren the Lion for a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and recognition for their hard work and commitment to making safe and responsible choices.

The event opened with a formal presentation featuring remarks from the Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto from the Mayor’s Office and the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Assistant Chief Rio Amon-Wilkins. Both speakers praised the students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue making positive decisions.

One of the day’s major highlights was a thrilling live-action joint response scenario conducted by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, Special Response Team, Vice West K9 Officers, and the Hawai‘i Fire Department Rescue personnel alongside Chopper 1. Students watched in awe as first responders demonstrated teamwork, specialized tactics, and emergency response capabilities in a fast-paced and educational presentation.

While Kona weather delivered plenty of sunshine, heat, and humidity, students enthusiastically cooled off in the refreshing waters of the Kona pool, spending time with classmates and friends while celebrating their DARE completion.

Adding to the excitement, carnival-style games filled the parking area where students played games, earned tickets, and redeemed them for prizes at the popular DARE Prize Tent.

Throughout the day, students were also treated to a pizza lunch complete with fresh salad, chilled apple and orange slices topped with li hing mui powder, bottled water, and refreshing shaved ice.

Supporting the students and participating in the celebration were representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 3R’s Program, PTA Fire, PTA Police, and DOCARE Officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

A special thanks goes out to Area II Major Roy Valera, who currently serves as the DARE Hawai‘i President and has held that role for the past 10 years. Major Valera has been involved with the DARE Program since 2000 after completing his DARE Officer Training in 1999. Throughout his career, he has been an invaluable asset, steadfast pillar, and a passionate advocate for the DARE Program while continually encouraging younger officers to accept the challenge of becoming DARE Certified.

“We would like to thank the many supporters that came out to make this day successful,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting. “This event would not have been possible without the partnership of our schools, agencies, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who continue to invest in our youth.”

As the event came to a close, students boarded their buses carrying prizes, memories, and smiles as they returned to their respective campuses after a memorable day celebrating achievement, friendship, and positive choices.

The Hawai‘i Police Department remains committed to empowering Hawai‘i’s youth through education, mentorship, and strong community partnerships.