About Town 4-28

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Cho named May’s Officer of the Month

Cho named May’s Officer of the Month

Officer Darren Cho, a member of the Hawaii Police Department, is the Kona Crime Prevention Committee’s Officer of the Month for May. A luncheon honoring Cho is planned for May 2 at Huggo’s Restaurant.

Officer Cho was conducting a routine check at Kahaluu Beach Park in January when he saw a man matching the description of a person wanted by police acting in a peculiar way. The man, who would not identify himself, got nervous and took off his shirt. This action uncovered a tattoo of the man’s name.

While arresting him, Cho noticed a marijuana cigarette fall from the man’s ear, and a later search of the man’s backpack revealed crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale and a handgun. The man was arrested and charged with third-degree promotion of detrimental drugs, second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, hiding his weapon, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a felony and other related firearm offenses.

Officer Cho is regarded by his supervisors as a superb police officer who embodies the department’s mission and vision. His actions reflect the high standards of his family, community and the Hawaii Police Department.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee encourages and supports the police department in its efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce laws. The committee also provides police equipment when department funds cannot cover those needs.

Retired Hawaii Police Department Major Henry Silva will speak on the changes in law enforcement and give an update on a West Hawaii public firing range. The lunch sponsor is Meg Greenwell.

The public is invited to attend the luncheon. The cost is $20. Reservations are necessary and may be made by contacting Liz Holey at lholey@hawaii.rr.com or 443-7708.

Cinco de Mayo in
Ocean View May 4

St Jude’s Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle in Ocean View celebrates Cinco de Mayo one day early. The festival celebrating Mexican culture and history kicks off at 6 p.m. May 4. Dinner is served at 6:30.

The menu includes enchiladas, Spanish rice, refried beans, dessert and virgin margaritas. A local band will play lively Latin music. Tickets are $12 each or $20 for two. Tables may be reserved for large parties.

This event is a fundraiser with some of the proceeds benefiting Nets For Life, an organization that provides education in schools and insecticide treated nets to children in Nigeria to combat malaria.

For more information or tickets, call Elaine at 561-6900 or Cordelia at 939-7555.

Hookena sets
May Day Hoolaulea

The Hookena Elementary School PTO will hold its May Day Hoolaulea from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 4. The day begins with a May Day program featuring students, faculty and staff performing hula. Afterwards, the festival will include games, exhibits, a plant and rummage sale, a country store and live entertainment.

The PTO’s plate lunch will include sweet and sour spareribs, rice, macaroni salad, cake and a drink for $8. Chili bowls will sell for $4. A vegetarian plate sells for the same price.

All proceeds will help purchase new computers and fund other educational activities and programs for students.

For more information, call President Keoki Kiwaha at 328-2087 or 328-2710, or visit hookenapto.org or facebook.com/hookenapto.