If you see a bunch of police vehicles at the Keeaumoku Street Walmart on Saturday morning around 6:00am, "no" our Honolulu Police Department has not moved or taken over Walmart. It is the "Shop With A Cop" program that sets the tone for the Christmas season. It is a very cool experience for our police officers, especially when you see the smiles on the faces of the children. It is such a good feeling, and the children see our officers in a positive way. I was told that this program started in 1989 with the help of Ron Dunn, Chief Deputy with the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp and Bud Allison, the father of the F.O.P. (Fraternal Order of Police). This event would not be possible without the tremendous and generous support of our Honolulu Police Department D-1 Community Policing Team, Sergeant Lawrence Santos, Officer Richard Fikani, Officer Kevin Nakano, Officer Don Faumuina and Officer Taylor Hoopii, and the people of Hawaii, organizations and volunteers who donate not only their time, but money, gifts and the spirit of "Aloha." I would also like to recognize the following officers who attended and assisted a child in this event: Deputy Chief Delbert Tatsuyama, Larry Santos, Cleo Millare, Reginald DeGuiar, Val Huihui, Ron Richardson, Jonathan Almodova, Marie McCauley, William Axt, Eric Fong, Benjamin Mahi, Pamela Liu, Karl Steininger, Eric Lalau, Ronald Pinho-Goldman, Sanford Yue, Clesson Werner, Hilarion Oliva, and Julianne Kusuda.
Today's event started with Santa arriving in a police cruiser being greeted by children singing Christmas Carols and waving to Santa as he pulled up to wish everyone a "Merry Christmas." Police Chief Louis Kealoha was also there to greet Santa (John Shaw) along with Kapua Tani (photo above), coordinator of the H-5, "Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope" and Executive Director Utu Langi.
Walmart has been the host of "Shop with a Cop" for the past 5 years. I can see why this event brings out the joy in our children. There are no words to express what I experienced this morning, you had to be there to feel the love, joy and happiness of these kids. When I spoke to the kids as they were shopping, they were speechless and just told me how happy they were and very thankful for all the "aloha" given to them. Santa's helper this year is "Hokulani." (photo above) His owner is Mr. Norman Dang. "Click here" to see today's event photos.
No comments:
Post a Comment