Big Island Police Host Free HI-PAL Movie Night for Waikoloa Families

South Kohala officers are turning the cafeteria at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School into a movie theater Tuesday evening, hosting a free screening of the animated film Dog Man for children ages 7 to 11 as part of spring break.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department's South Kohala Community Policing Section will run the event from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 18, 2026, under the department's HI-PAL program, which the department describes as providing "opportunities for police officers to engage with youth through positive activities that promote teamwork, responsibility, and community connection." Popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, and snacks will be provided at no cost.

HI-PAL, which stands for Hawaiʻi Police Activities League, has become one of the department's primary tools for building relationships between officers and keiki outside of enforcement situations. Hosting the event during spring break puts it squarely in front of families looking for structured activities at no cost.

Attendance requires advance registration. Families should use the QR code printed on the official event flyer to sign up before the event. No walk-in or phone registration option has been announced by HPD. Parents and guardians with questions can reach Officer Kulei DeLaCruz directly at kuilee.delacruz@hawaiipolice.gov.

Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School sits in the heart of the Waikoloa Village community on the dry, sunny side of the island, roughly 25 miles north of Kailua-Kona. The South Kohala Community Policing Section, which covers this stretch of the Kohala Coast, organized the event specifically for that neighborhood's younger residents.