Police Holding Badges and Buckets Fundraiser for Special Olympics 

Media Release

The Hawaiʻi Police Department is proud to sponsor the largest annual grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi, “Badges and Buckets” (formally known as “Cop on Top”). Now in its 21st year, this three-day event features law enforcement officers who will spend their off-duty time perched atop a 10-foot scaffolding at the Hilo and Kona Wal-Mart stores, eating, sleeping, and raising awareness for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi within the community.

This year the event takes place in Hilo and Kona this week on the following dates and times:

Wal-Mart Hilo:     
September 5-6, 2024, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
September 7, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wal-Mart Kona:
September 6-7, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
September 8, 2024, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Donations collected from Badges and Buckets directly benefit Special Olympics Hawaiʻi and their efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes, including opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.

Over the years, the efforts of Hawaiʻi Police Department’s officers have raised more than $250,000 to help provide year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year and a large part of the annual budget is raised through this one event alone.

During this year’s event, there will be numerous, great incentives through donations made by many local sponsors. Special Olympics Hawaiʻi will also be giving away visors, caps and t-shirts to those who donate.

For more information on the Badges and Buckets event in East Hawaiʻi, contact Sergeant Jason Grouns at (808) 961-2269, or email at Jason.Grouns@hawaiicounty.gov.