MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department is advising the public to beware of fraudulent requests for donations.

On September 26, two unidentified females approached a Kailua-Kona business owner, asking for and collecting a cash donation supposedly to help Kahakai School with playground improvements. Police have learned that the same two females were continuing to solicit for donations as recently as October 7.

According to Kahakai School administrators, there is no fund-raising campaign going on for playground repairs.

The public is cautioned to be aware of fraudulent appeals for donations and advised to contact the named donation recipient to confirm that the person soliciting the funds is actually fund-raising on behalf of the recipient.

Police ask anyone who was recently solicited for cash donations for Kahakai School’s playground to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 so that a crime report can be initiated. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.