Public invited to ‘Coffee With a Cop’ events
The Hawaii Police Department will hold multiple “Coffee With a Cop” events on Wednesday to mark the 9th Annual National Coffee With a Cop Day.
National Coffee With a Cop Day began as part of National Community Policing Week in 2016 and is held each year on the first Wednesday in October, furthering efforts nationwide to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.
These get-togethers have no agendas or speeches, and are an informal way to get to know the police officers in your community. Topics of conversation can range from sharing personal stories to answering questions or even discussing neighborhood or community issues.
“We really enjoy the opportunity to meet with the public at these types of events because it provides us with insights into community concerns,” said Hilo Community Policing Section Lt. William Derr.
Five free events are scheduled across the island on Wednesday morning in Hilo, Pahoa, Honoka‘a, Waimea, and Kona, giving community members the opportunity to “talk story” with police officers.
Please join your neighbors and police officers on Wednesday for coffee and conversation at the following locations:
Hilo: Starbucks by Prince Kuhio Plaza, 111 E Puainako St., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.;
Pahoa: Kohala Coffee Co., 15-2714 Pahoa Village Road, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.;
Honoka‘a: Tex Drive In, 45-690 Pakalana St., 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.;
Waimea: Starbucks, Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Mamalahoa Highway, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.;
Kona: Kona Coffee & Tea Co., Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5588 Palani Road, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Those with questions about the “Coffee With a Cop” events can contact the respective districts:
— Hilo Community Policing Section Lieutenant William Derr, (808) 9612350;
— Puna Community Policing Officer Chad Sato (808) 965-2716;
— Hamakua Community Policing Officer Joseph Rocha at (808) 775-7533;
— Kona Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss at (808) 326-4646, ext. 257;
— South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting at (808) 887-3080.
