Hawaiʻi Police Department Thanks Community for Successful “Fill a Cruiser” Food Drive

The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona and Hilo Community Policing Sections extend a heartfelt mahalo to the Hawai‘i Island community for making last Thursday’s  “Fill a Police Cruiser” Kokua Food Drive an overwhelming success.

This special event was held on August 20, 2026, at three locations: Kona Costco Warehouse, Kona Walmart, and Hilo Safeway. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our island community, the event raised more than $48,879in monetary donations and collected over 28,856pounds (14 tons) of food. All donations went directly to The Food Basket Inc, Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank, to support Hurricane Lala relief efforts and assist local families and communities in need across the island.

These outstanding results would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community and event partners, including Kona Costco, Kona Walmart, Hilo Safeway, KAPA Radio personalities Tommy Ching and Darde Gamayo, KBIG-FM’s The Morning Drive with Jill and Sasha, the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona, Hilo, and Puna Community Policing Sections, Sheriffs with the state Department of Law Enforcement, officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources,  

 The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island Food Bank, and Vibrant Hawaiʻi.

Police also extend a special mahalo to the businesses, organizations, and individuals whose generous contributions helped the event exceed both our fundraising and food collection goals, including the Roberts Foundation, Kona Mountain Coffee Company, Parker Ranch Center, Kona Brewery, and the Keauhou Shopping Center.

Your generosity and commitment to our community will have a lasting impact on families throughout Hawaiʻi Island. Every dollar donated and every pound of food collected will help provide much-needed assistance to those who need it most all over the island.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department and all of our partners extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated, volunteered, and supported this special food drive. Your kokua is a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion, and aloha of our island community.