LIHUE — Three Kauai Police Department officers were lifted via a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative bucket truck to the roof of the Walmart store at sunrise Thursday. KPD officer Lt. Todd Tanaka and Sgts. Rod Green and Christopher Calio will
LIHUE — Three Kauai Police Department officers were lifted via a Kauai Island Utility Cooperative bucket truck to the roof of the Walmart store at sunrise Thursday.
KPD officer Lt. Todd Tanaka and Sgts. Rod Green and Christopher Calio will remain on the rooftop until 4 p.m. Saturday, or until they reach the goal of raising $25,000 for the Kauai Special Olympics program.
“We’ll be here until 11 p.m. each night through Saturday afternoon to accept contributions,” said Jocelyn Barriga, Kauai Special Olympics coordinator. “We shut down at 11 p.m. and resume the following morning, bright and early until Saturday afternoon.”
Volunteers helped with the special collections where shoppers could purchase Cop on Top T-shirts, bags, mugs, coolers, baseball caps and visors.
Among those donating was Jean Odo, a former teacher from the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School who was pointed out as one of the founders of the Kauai Special Olympics program.
“I had Judge Alfred Laureta’s daughter in my class when I started teaching,” Odo said. “That was back in 1968. She was so fast.”
The observation of the student brought Odo to seek help from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and with the help of coach Jim Thompson, the girl won the first Special Olympics gold medal for Kauai in swimming.
Barriga said Laureta’s daughter, Lisa, is still active in Special Olympics.
Over the past 40 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports, states a release.
“We are all touched deeply in some way by family or friends with disabilities,” said Sean Smith, representing Larry Bowman and Falko Partners. “Special Olympics is a wonderful organization, supporting those with the bold courage to overcome their challenges. This causes all of us to raise the level of our game, and be more thankful for our many blessings.”
Barriga said Smith informed them that Falko Partners, for the 10th consecutive year, will match contributions up to $12,500.
She said in addition to Falko Partners, Kaiwa Construction has also pledged its support.
“The Cop on Top fundraiser for Kauai’s Special Olympic athletes is a long-standing tradition for KPD officers,” said Sgt. Green. “It is a blessing that our community is so generous and supportive of our athletes. I feel I speak for all police officers who have been atop the roof when I say that sacrificing our time for this worthy cause is a small gesture to give back to our community.”
For more information on the Kauai Special Olympics program, or to volunteer at the Cop on Top, call Barriga at 652-8662.
