For nearly four decades, Crime Stoppers Hilo has worked to make the Big Island a safer place by helping police detectives get criminals off the street.
In tribute to the all-volunteer organization, Mayor Harry Kim proclaimed February Crime Stoppers Month in Hawaii County and encourages Big Islanders to support the group’s activities.
“We offer cash rewards to tipsters who provide valuable information anonymously via phone,” said Crime Stoppers board president David DeLuz Jr.
To help replenish its rewards fund, the nonprofit group is hosting a special Valentine’s Day benefit dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at Nani Mau Gardens. The event features legendary Hawaii funnyman Frank De Lima and friends, music by Hilo’s own Larry Dupio, a gourmet dinner and silent auction.
Keynote speaker for the event will be award-winning community volunteer Debbie Maiava, a Hilo businesswoman.
In his proclamation, Kim noted that “Crime Stoppers has proven that citizen involvement is a powerful weapon in combating and solving crime, and can be used most effectively to enhance the efforts of local police authorities.”
“The Hawaii Police Department appreciates the assistance HPD has received over the past several decades from Crime Stoppers Hilo,” said Police Chief Paul Ferreira. “Our community is safer, and better because of the efforts of this hard-working group of volunteers.”
Since its establishment in May 1981, tips to Crime Stoppers have led to the recovery of $1,020,500 in stolen property and the seizure of almost $12,235,000 worth of drugs. Tips over the years have helped solve 1,025 crimes, including 12 homicides, DeLuz said.
Valentine’s Day dinner chairman Frank Lafita noted that in February 2007, Crime Stoppers debuted “Hawaii Island’s Most Wanted,” a monthly show on public access television highlighting cases selected and presented by the police. The clearance rate for these publicized cases stands at 73 percent.
Individual tickets for the dinner are $100 with tables for eight for $800. Tickets are available from members of the board, Basically Books or call Lafita at 987-9382.
Donations also are welcome at any time. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Crime Stoppers Hilo Inc., c/o David DeLuz Jr., 811 Kanoelehua Ave., Hilo HI 96720, call DeLuz at 895-4284.
