The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association's "SOS" (Save Our Sports) campaign to assist public schools received its second large contribution this week, this time from Hawai'i's Finest.

State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers president Tenari Ma'afala yesterday presented HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya with a check for $25,000 at SHOPO headquarters in Kalihi Kai.

The contribution will go toward the SOS campaign aimed at helping Hawai'i's public schools cope with state budget cuts that left them operating with less than 64 percent of their allocations for 2009-10.

It follows a gift of $76,841 on behalf of Foodland and its customers on Monday.

"The police officers across the state support high school athletes, and sports helps the kids stay off the streets and stay in school," Ma'afala said. "Without a doubt, it's a plus — it motivates them to get good grades and stay out of trouble."

Ma'afala was an assistant coach for Kalani's varsity girls basketball team the past two seasons, and two of his daughters have recently participated in high school sports. He said he's seen first-hand how public school athletic departments struggle to fund programs.

Due to the most recent cuts, athletic directors have had to eliminate some paid assistant coach positions and bus transportation.

"My hearts go out to (the public schools)," Ma'afala said. "They were already strapped for funds even before this."

Amemiya said many of Hawai'i's police officers are former high school athletes and are either coaches or parents of current athletes.

"We're extremely grateful for their generosity," Amemiya said. "(Police officers) understand how sports can engage youngsters in positive, healthy activities, and it helps to keep our community safe."

This week's contributions — which include an additional $18,000-plus from businesses and individuals — bring the total amount raised through SOS to an estimated $852,670 since the campaign kicked off on July 28.

In addition to the gifts from Foodland and SHOPO, Nanakuli Super II and The Wai'anae Store II contributed $5,000 each.

There also was a gift of $150 in memory of former Kapi'olani Pop Warner, McKinley and Roosevelt football coach Mike Marques, who died Sept. 10 at age 64.

To contribute to the SOS fund, make a check payable to "HHSAA SOS Account" and send it to HHSAA, P.O. Box 62029, Honolulu, HI 96839, or visit www.sportshigh.com or any First Hawaiian Bank branch (checks only).

Contributors at First Hawaiian Bank branches who are willing to be recognized are asked to contact the HHSAA office at 587-4495.

ONLINE AUCTION SLATED FOR SOS FUND OCT. 5-9

An online auction benefitting the SOS campaign will take place Oct. 5 to 9.

So far, items that will be up for bid include Neighbor Island Castle Resort hotel stays, fan experiences at the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic and The Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, a private performance by 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Group of the Year Holunape, Murphy's Bar and Grill certificates, and a season's pass to Hawai'i Speed and Quickness Clinics.

To donate auction items, or for more details, call Chris Hart at 275-1047.