23.Mar.2009 Carry the "Flame of Hope"
The Hawaii Police Department and volunteers will carry the “Flame of Hope” through the streets of Kailua-Kona in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the athletes of Special Olympics West Hawaii. This event, known as the “Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics,” is a tradition in the law enforcement community around the world.
On Saturday, April 11, the officers and supporters will be in Kona for the West Hawaii Torch Run. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Old Kona Airport Park. The “Flame of Hope” will be carried from the park to Hale Halawai via Kuakini Highway, Palani Road and Alii Drive. At Hale Halawai, the torch runners will turn around and return to the park.
Police officers will be directing traffic at the intersections of Kuakini Highway/Palani Road and Kopiki Street/Palani Road.
The Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run is a coordinated project of the Hawaii Police Department and Special Olympics Hawaii. The Torch Run was created in 1981 by Chief Richard Lamunyon of Wichita, Kansas, who, along with a couple of deputies, ran the first torch run for Special Olympics. The torch is now carried by law enforcement officers — referred to as “Guardians of the Flame” — in every state and in more than 40 other countries. This International Torch Run, which lost money in 1981, raised more than $32 million world wide in 2008. In Hawaii, the torch run is named after fallen Honolulu Police Officer Troy Barboza, who volunteered as a Special Olympics coach and participated in the first Torch Run in Hawaii.
To participate in the Torch Run or make a donation to SOWH, call 326-4646. Ask for Detective Walter Ah Mow at extension 238, Detective Renee Morinaka at extension 301, or Sergeant Rollin Rabara at extension 315.
Those who make donations of $20 or more will receive a free commemorative 2009 Troy Barboza/First Hawaiian Bank Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirt or tank top. (A $25 donation entitles the donor to a long-sleeved shirt or one in XXXL size).