About 600 students attended 2019 D.A.R.E. Day on Tuesday at the Pahoa Community Recreation Center.
Uniformed Hawaii Police Department officers from Hilo, Puna and Kona engaged the students in demonstrations, including bicycle officers Dustin Sampaga and Joseph Rocha demonstrating an arrest of a fleeing suspect in pouring rain.
A trained K-9 officer showed how his dog, Rory, can sniff out drug evidence concealed in a carry bag. The Special Response Team — the department’s SWAT unit — arrived, automatic weapons drawn, and the team was deployed to enter and search a makeshift residence in a mock raid.
In addition, the Hawaii Fire Department made its first ever helicopter landing during a D.A.R.E. Day.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to tear a windshield from a parked vehicle, then broke the vehicle apart, as they would to rescue someone trapped inside after a crash or automobile fire.
Firefighters then transported a “collision victim” — in reality a dummy — to the helicopter, simulating an air rescue.
Police officers, firefighters and lifeguards led the entire room of students in reciting the D.A.R.E. pledge, in which students promise to lead alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free lives.
Following the presentation, students had the chance to participate in several other activities, including trying on goggles that mimic impaired vision from being intoxicated. A representative of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii also made personal contact with students to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and nicotine.
Secondary school students also played basketball and enjoyed pizza.
The Drug Abuse Resistance Education curriculum is implemented in public schools to educate students about the importance of saying no to drugs and alcohol.