Hundreds of Oahu's Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers and employees from Target Stores on Oahu, joined the Honolulu Police Department for the 28th Annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at the Target Store parking lot in Salt Lake. The event focused on crime and drug prevention on Oahu.
Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha addressed the crowd of volunteers and thanked them for their dedication in keeping their communities safe. Chief Kealoha also stressed the importance of having a strong relationship between HPD and the community.
“The real purpose is to strengthen our community relationships between police and our community,” said Chief Kealoha. “The second thing is to raise the awareness about the importance of crime and drug prevention. Last but not least is to let the criminals know that we’re taking back our streets and that working with the police and our community, we’re going to keep it safe for everybody.”
HPD Officers from the Pearl City Police Station Community Policing Team and volunteers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Security Watch Team also participating in Tuesday's National Night Out event.
“We’re here for National Night Out which is a nation wide event for all our neighborhood security watch, community members, residents, business partners to show our support for fighting against crime,” said Officer Kathleen Capellas from the Pearl City Police Station Community Policing Team. “The whole island is here. All the neighborhood security watches from all the eight districts.”
There are 1300 security watches in eight districts on Oahu. In 2011, the Neighborhood Security Watch membership has grown to 21,000 members which includes 11,000 households, businesses and homes.This is the 31st year of the HPD Neighborhood Security Watch program.
Participants in Tuesday's National Night Out enjoyed Hawaiian music, awareness booths and demonstrations by the HPD Crime prevention unit, and an opportunity to sit in the HPD Helicopter. The Honolulu Fire Department was also on hand with an informational booth on tips on fire safety and prevention.
After about a half an hour of sign waving on Salt Lake Boulevard, the volunteers were recognized by districts for their for Neighborhood Security Watch efforts throughout the year. And finally, participants were treated to a barbecue dinner. Mahalo to the HPD Barbecue Crew for the awesome grinds.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
HPD Chief Louis Kealoha (2nd from right) led a team of HPD officers, Target Stores employees and Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 during the National Night Out event.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
HPD Officers from the Pearl City Police Station Community Policing Team (from left to right) Officer Alagao, Officer Santos, Sergeant Apuna and Officer Capellas.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Neighborhood Security Watch volunteers and HPD lined Salt Lake Boulevard near the Moanalua Salt Lake Target Store holding signs asking motorists to slow down and drive safely.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Volunteers from Keiki to Kupuna turned out on Tuesday to get the message out to motorists.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Mahalo to the Target crew for a great job on Tuesday during the National Night Out event.