Police congratulate participants of Kona HI-PAL Boxing Tournament

Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Officers would like to congratulate all the participants of the Hawai‘i Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) Youth Boxing Spring Showdown held Friday, March 22, 2024, in Kona.

The exciting youth sporting event was a resounding success with more than 100 spectators cheering on 22 participants who competed in 11 boxing matches. The tournament was open to girls and boys age 8 – 17.

HPD’s Kona Community Policing Officers and the HI-PAL program collaborated with the Kona Gold Boxing Club/Ikaikamauloa Youth Foundation to hold the boxing tournament, providing keiki with an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.

A total of five boxing clubs, two from the Big Island (Vital Boxing of Puna and Kona Gold Boxing Club), and three from Oahu, Hibredhouse, Thunder Boxing, and Aiwohi, participated in the Spring Showdown. The keiki’s hard work and dedication were acknowledged by being awarded medals and championship belts.

HI-PAL is an HPD program in which police officers interact with youth in various activities and act as mentors. This positive connection with the youth helps encourage teamwork, citizenship, responsibility, and builds trust amongst the youth.

Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the Kona Gold Boxing Club for partnering with the department for the Spring Showdown. Collaborations such as this between community policing officers and local organizations are vital for engaging youth in positive activities and building stronger community bonds.

The police department also extends a hearty thank you to the community, the participants, and the spectators for making this event possible and contributing to the community’s well-being.