(BIVN) – The Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School campus was recently enhanced by community volunteers before the start of the school year.
On Thursday, July 23, the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing Section and volunteers from New Hope Waikoloa teamed up to complete the campus beautification project.
“The project reflects the strong partnership between the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, and community organizations, such as New Hope Waikoloa,” said Area II Operations Major Roylen Valera in a police department news release. “Through volunteerism and collaboration, the group enhanced the school’s appearance while demonstrating a shared commitment to serving the Waikoloa community.”
From the police news release:
Despite the summer heat, volunteers spent the day repainting railings throughout the campus as part of an ongoing effort led by School Resource Officer (SRO) Kui Dela Cruz. Each summer during the school break, Officer Dela Cruz dedicates time to improving the campus by repainting safety lines, parking curbs, fire lanes, and other areas that help create a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. Officers assigned to the South Kohala Community Policing Section regularly assist with these annual improvement efforts.
The project began when Pastor Rick Nagaoka of New Hope Waikoloa contacted school administrators to ask how the church could help support the school. In response, members of the congregation volunteered alongside Officer Dela Cruz, Community Policing Officer Michael Abran and other community members to repaint railings throughout the campus. Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School provided the paint and supplies for the project.
Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School Principal Michelle Barber expressed her appreciation to everyone who volunteered their time and effort to improve the school campus. She thanked the Hawaiʻi Police Department, New Hope Waikoloa, and all participants for their dedication and continued support of the students and school community.
Police added that Waikoloa businesses and organizations, or individual community members, interested in volunteering for future campus improvement projects are encouraged to contact School Resource Officer Kui Dela Cruz by email at Kuilee.DelaCruz@hawaiipolice.gov.
