Waikoloa school beautification took center stage ahead of the new academic year, with Waikōloa Elementary and Middle School receiving a fresh look before students returned Aug. 3.
According to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, officers from the South Kohala Community Policing Section and volunteers from New Hope Waikōloa spent July 23 repainting railings across the Big Island campus. The one-day effort is part of an ongoing project led by School Resource Officer Kui Dela Cruz.
Police said Dela Cruz uses the summer break each year to tackle campus improvements that promote safety and a welcoming environment. Recent work has included repainting safety lines, parking curbs and fire lanes, with officers from the South Kohala Community Policing Section regularly assisting.
The latest Waikoloa school beautification push grew after Pastor Rick Nagaoka of New Hope Waikōloa reached out to school leaders to ask how the congregation could support the campus. Church members joined Dela Cruz, Community Policing Officer Michael Abran and other volunteers to refresh railings throughout the grounds. The school supplied paint and materials.
Area II Operations Major Roylen Valera said the project underscores strong partnerships among the Hawaiʻi Police Department, the school and community groups. He noted that volunteerism and collaboration improved the campus while reflecting a shared commitment to serving Waikōloa.
Businesses, organizations, churches, civic groups and community members interested in future campus projects in Waikōloa can contact Dela Cruz at Kuilee.DelaCruz@hawaiipolice.gov.
Waikoloa school beautification supports safer, welcoming campus
With the new school year underway, the refreshed railings and annual upkeep complement broader safety-focused painting across the campus, benefiting students, staff and visitors.
Earlier this year, the Hawaiʻi Police Department organized other community-focused events with youth and families, reflecting similar priorities around safety and engagement.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department encourages community partnership efforts like these, which help build trust and improve public spaces.
New Hope Waikōloa, part of the broader New Hope church network, has also supported various service projects across Hawaiʻi.
