Posted on: Friday, December 6, 2002

Police say fund-raiser legitimate

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i County police yesterday confirmed that a Hawai'i State Sheriff Association fund-raiser to purchase nonbudgeted equipment, including bulletproof vests, is legitimate.

Hawai'i County police had sent out a Nov. 18 press release warning the public about a possible telemarketing scam, saying Kona businesses in Kailua had reported receiving calls from an unidentified man.

The caller reportedly was claiming to represent the Hawai'i County Police Department in soliciting donations from local businesses to aid in the purchase of bulletproof vests for Big Island officers.

The police news release last month noted that "the Hawai'i County Police Department does not solicit private donations for official use."

The sheriff's association later notified Hawai'i County police that it was conducting the campaign, in an attempt to supplement the budget of the State Sheriff Division.

To verify the legitimacy of the drive, call the Kona Sheriff's Office at 326-5770, the Hilo Sheriff's Office at 933-8833 or the project office at (808) 331-2966, a spokesman for the association said.