The Hawaii Police Department and HI-PAL (Hawaii Isle Police Activities League) held a skate and BMX rally two weeks ago at the Honoka‘a Skate Park.
Roughly 25 participants, ages seven to 17, competed by demonstrating their best one-minute freestyle, as well as their best trick, with volunteers from the local skating and BMX community judging the contest.
This was the second skate/BMX event held in the Hamakua district, with the last one held in October 2022.
The top three winners from each age category received prizes. All registered participants were treated to bento lunches, drinks, and snacks, as well as a free backpack for the upcoming school year. Lucky number prizes were also distributed.
“This event was a great way for police officers to connect with the skateboarding and BMX community,” said Hamakua District School Resource Officer Blake Ragocos, who organized the event. “The kids had fun and it would not have been possible without the great support of the Hamakua community.”
HI-PAL is a program of the Hawaii Police Department in which police officers interact with youth in various activities as mentors. This positive connection encourages teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility among youth. If your Hamakua community organization is interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in your area, please contact Hawai‘i Police Department’s Hamakua Community Policing Officers at (808) 775-7533.