Big Island Police and Students Celebrate DARE Day in East Hawaii: Big Island Now

The Hawaii Police Department and its school officials congratulate the 2024 graduates of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (also known as DARE).

Students from Hilo Intermediate, Waiākea Intermediate, Pāhoa Elementary, Kea’au Elementary and Pāhoa Intermediate schools in East Hawaii celebrated the completion of the DARE program on May 23.

This year’s event was particularly significant as it was the first major gathering of DARE alumni since 2019, following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The day took place at the Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo and began with an opening speech by Master of Ceremonies Captain Roy Valera in front of the more than 600 enthusiastic students in attendance.

The blessing was given by Police Chaplain Renee Godoy, followed by the presentation of flags by the Hilo Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the singing of the national anthem by Kaylan Gomes of Honoka’a High School.

Hawaii Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz then gave his opening remarks and words of encouragement before rewarding the students for their hard work with a day of fun and excitement.

After the opening ceremony and the students reciting the DARE pledge, they were presented with a scenario that recreated a traffic accident.

The Big Island Police Department worked with the Hawaii Fire Department to simulate how paramedics would provide aid in the event of a collision with serious injuries. The fire department’s police helicopter arrived and flew the victim out of the area, much to the amazement and cheers of the students.

The students were also treated to a demonstration by the police special operations unit, which used a robot to combat a bomb threat.

The event also included water slides, swimming, carnival games and other activities. A tug of war between the schools ended with Waiākea Intermediate School winning. A permanent trophy will be displayed in the school’s trophy case.

The Hawaii Police Department would like to thank the public and private volunteer groups for their support of the event, as well as the county agencies, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department and the Hawaii County Attorney’s Office, for donating many of the awards presented that day.

The Big Island Police Department hopes the DARE Day celebration continues to grow in recognition among students who have completed the program.

DARE is a nationally recognized initiative that teaches students how to make good choices, take responsibility, and deal with bullying and peer pressure.