West Hawai‘i Keiki Enjoy D.A.R.E. Day Graduation Event

More than 500 fifth- and sixth-grade student graduates of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program in West Hawai‘i were recognized at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kona, on Friday April 25, 2025, during an event filled with fun games, free food, and prizes. 

West Hawaii D.A.R.E. graduates from Konawaena Middle, Waikoloa Elementary, Waimea Elementary, Kanu O Ka Aina Elementary School, as well as Kohala Elementary and Intermediate schools celebrated their completion of the D.A.R.E. program, a nationally recognized initiative currently celebrating its 40^th anniversary in Hawai‘i. Prior to Friday, Officers Bryan Young, Justin Cabanting, Kuilee Dela Cruz, and Eddie Lewis visited each of the schools to teach the 10-week program, which covers decision making, being responsible, bullying, and peer pressure.

During the fun-filled event, graduates were able to swim, play carnival games to win prizes, play basketball, and volleyball. Students watched live-action role-play scenarios, including members of HPD’s Vice K9 unit and Special Response Team (SRT), as well as Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel conducting a helicopter rescue. 

In addition to a free lunch of pizza, tossed salad, and li-hing mui fresh fruits, students were treated to interactive displays from:

• DLNR / DOCARE officers with jet skis, boats, and UTV displays.
• Pohakuloa Training Area Fire Department, who provided a fire truck with water hoses to allow students to spray water at a model home.
• Pohakuloa Training Area Police Officers
• Army National Guard Counter Drug Program
• Friends of First Responders
• Hawai‘i  Youth Academy Job Challenge
• Aloha Maps
• State of Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement, Sheriff’s Division
• Civil Air Patrol
• Hawai‘i County Civil Defense
• Hawai‘i County Fire Department
• Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation
• Diamond Towing

Opening ceremonies included the presentation of colors by the Civil Air Patrol Kona Wing Squadron, and students from Waikoloa Elementary School singing the national anthem. Kanu O Ka Aina students sang Hawaii Pono‘i. Police officers led the students in reciting a pledge to make good, informed decisions and to remember to seek help when needed.