Fill a Police Cruiser Kōkua events to aid Lala recovery

Fill a Police Cruiser Kōkua events are set for Aug. 20 on Hawai‘i Island as the Hawai‘i Police Department mobilizes donations to support recovery from Hurricane Lala. The department’s community policing teams in Kona and Hilo are partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to gather essential supplies for residents in need.

Fill a Police Cruiser Kōkua donation sites and times

According to the department, two simultaneous Kona collections will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the entrances of:

• Kona Costco, 73-5600 Maiau St., Kailua-Kona.
• Kona Walmart, 75-1015 Henry St., Kailua-Kona.

In Hilo, a donation drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at:

• Hilo Safeway, 381 E. Maka‘ala St., Hilo.

A blue-and-white marked police cruiser will be stationed at each location to receive contributions.

What to donate to Fill a Police Cruiser Kōkua

Organizers encourage donations of nonperishable food, water, and basic living necessities, including diapers, infant formula, and personal hygiene products. The goal is to fill each cruiser to capacity with supplies for families affected by the storm.

The Kona Community Policing Section is partnering with Kona Costco, Kona Walmart, The Food Basket, Friends of First Responders, and KAPA Radio personality Tommy Ching. In Hilo, partners include Safeway Hilo, The Food Basket, and Vibrant Hawai‘i.

All items and monetary donations will be distributed by The Food Basket to individuals and families in need across Hawai‘i Island.

How to get more information

For details about the Kona collections, contact Officer Dwayne Sluss at 808-326-4646, extension 3259, or email dwayne.sluss@hawaiipolice.gov. For the Hilo event, contact Officer Christopher Barto at 808-961-8849 or email Christopher.barto@hawaiipolice.gov.

Residents who are able to give are encouraged to participate. Community kōkua will help speed recovery for neighbors across the island.

For more examples of public safety outreach, see how the Hawaiʻi Police Department hosts keiki derby, cleanup, awards to connect with residents.