Hilo Youth Baseball Tournament Celebrates 4th Year

Over 250 young players and 1,000 spectators participated in the annual HI-PAL Tee Ball/Coach Pitch event.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The Hawaiʻi County Police Department's fourth annual HI-PAL Tee Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball Tournament was held on January 24-25 in Hilo, with over 250 players ages 4 to 8 from 21 teams participating. The event focused on teaching fundamental baseball skills while emphasizing teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship.

Why it matters

The HI-PAL youth sports program is an important community initiative that provides positive activities for young people and helps build relationships between law enforcement and local families.

The details

During the two-day tournament, the young players practiced baseball skills under the guidance of coaches and volunteers. Hawaiʻi County Police Department Community Policing officers were also on site, providing free Keiki ID services and engaging with the families in attendance.

  • The tournament was held on January 24-25, 2026.
  • This was the fourth annual HI-PAL Tee Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball Tournament.

The players

Hawaiʻi County Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that organized and supported the youth baseball tournament.

Officer Jared Cabatu

The Community Policing officer who led the department's involvement in the event.

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What they’re saying

“The department thanks Officer Jared Cabatu, his team, and volunteers for their support, and encourages community groups interested in hosting HI-PAL events to contact their Community Policing officers.”

— Hawaiʻi County Police Department

The takeaway

The HI-PAL youth baseball tournament is an excellent example of how law enforcement can partner with the community to provide positive activities and build relationships with local families.