KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Police Department officers will be trapped on a scaffold until they can raise enough money for Special Olympics West Hawaii through Saturday.
KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Police Department officers will be trapped on a scaffold until they can raise enough money for Special Olympics West Hawaii through Saturday.
The event, which began Thursday, is the Cop On Top, where police will sit at the Kailua-Kona Walmart to raise money for the nonprofit organization. All the money generated will go to the program and be used to purchase uniforms, equipment, transportation, coaches training, competitions and other opportunities for West Hawaii athletes, keeping the program free for athletes.
“We just want to beat Hilo,” said Area Director Denise Lindsey of the friendly rivalry between the districts in regards to the program’s goal.
“It’s heartwarming that they (police officers) take their time off to raise funds for Special Olympics,” she added.
The event is also an opportunity to sign up new volunteers and new athletes, said volunteer Sharon Yong.
Beyond the scaffold there will also be a DJ, she said, to bring people over to the event.
A grab bag filled with goodies await anyone who makes a $10 donation. $20 gets a T-shirt or visor and $25 gets a baseball cap.
Special Olympics West Hawaii offers year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and individuals in the West Hawaii community.
The event is important to the group as “it makes us more effective,” Yong said.
And, according to athlete Nancy Honma, “It’s fun. I like to help out.”