First-Ever HI-PAL Volleyball Tournament A Success

More than 100 keiki from across Hawai‘i Island participated in the first-ever Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League (HI-PAL) Volleyball Tournament, held Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Pana‘ewa Gym in Hilo.

Hosted by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s HI-PAL program in collaboration with the ‘Eleu Volleyball Club, the tournament featured two divisions, 14U boys and 14U girls, with 10 teams competing in a day of friendly and spirited play. The event was organized by Community Policing Officer Darren Abalos in coordination with Pana‘ewa Gym Coordinator Alexandria Walker.

“The participants enjoyed the back-and-forth battles between friends and other volleyball clubs,” said Officer Abalos. “Coaches and parents also expressed how great it is to see HI-PAL getting involved in the volleyball community and appreciated the officers’ support during the event.”

The department extends a warm mahalo to the ‘Eleu Volleyball Club, participating teams, and all volunteers who helped make the tournament a success.

HI-PAL is a program of the Hawai‘i Police Department in which officers engage with youth through positive activities that promote teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility while strengthening trust between police and the community.

If your community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event, please contact the department’s Hilo Community Policing Officers at (808) 961-8849.