LIHU‘E — The artistic talents and safety-oriented ideas of four young Kaua‘i students earned them a little extra money in their pockets and bragging rights as this year’s inaugural winners of the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Safety Art Contest. Kaua‘i
LIHU‘E — The artistic talents and safety-oriented ideas of four young Kaua‘i students earned them a little extra money in their pockets and bragging rights as this year’s inaugural winners of the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Safety Art Contest.
Kaua‘i Police Community Relations Sgt. Roderick Green said the art contest, which was co-sponsored by Kukui Grove Center, first opened up to students in three age categories — 6-years-old and younger, 7- to 12-year-olds and 13- to 17-year-olds — during the first week of May to increase safety awareness and encourage youth participation in National Police Week.
“We want to make sure that we can get the message out early to keiki and create a way for them to share that knowledge with their peers,” Green said at an awards ceremony at the Kukui Grove Center Saturday.
In all, Kukui Grove Center marketing manager Jonell Kaohelauli‘i said a total of 10 entries were received for this year’s contest, which yielded three first-place winners and overall grand prize winner.
Green said this year’s contest winners — 6-year-old Kamekona Thompson, 9-year-old Kinohi Naihe, 9-year-old Faith Tafua and 13-year-old Chailee Sauceda — touched on a wide range of important issues, including texting while driving, water safety and bullying.
Naihe, the overall contest winner for her drawing on water safety, received a $50 Kukui Grove Center shopping spree and a Fun Factory gift card.
The remaining winners, who placed first in their age categories, received a small prize package from several Kukui Grove Center merchants and the Kaua‘i Police Department.
• Darin Moriki, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-3681 or dmoriki@thegardenisland.com.
