Police Thank Community for Making Fourth Annual Fill a Cruiser Event a Tremendous Success

Media Release

Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section would like to thank the Hawaiʻi Island community for making its fourth annual “Fill a Cruiser Food Drive” a resounding success. More than 2,031 pounds of food and $8,001 in cash donations was raised during the four-hour fundraiser held at the Kona Costco parking lot on Friday, August 30. The Food Basket will distribute all donated food items and use the monetary donations to help island residents in need.

These impressive results would not have been possible without the dedication, enthusiasm, and support from the community and the dedicated sponsors from Kona Costco, Kapa Radio personality Tommy Ching, the Food Basket Inc., and Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Officers.

In addition to the sponsors listed above, HPD’s Kona Community Policing Section would like to extend a special mahalo to the Wee Guy’s Fishing organization and Johnathan’s Foundation who were instrumental in helping the fundraiser exceed its monetary goals. The $8,001 raised this year was a whopping 67% increase over the $4,784 raised in 2023.

“The funds and food collected will go a long way in supporting those in need and making a positive impact in our community,” said Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss, who has spearheaded this campaign from its inception.

“The feedback from participants and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Sluss. “It’s clear that community involvement played a significant role in making the event both successful and enjoyable for everyone involved. We thank everyone for their exceptional support.”

Officer Sluss noted they are already looking forward to next year’s year food drive.