Businessman Thomas Lee had planned to put a $10,000 surveillance system in his Waimalu home after it was burglarized recently. But after hearing about a recurring vandalism problem at Waimalu Elementary, the owner of Audio Visual Co. instead donated the equipment and installation to the school.

“;I thought this was more important over here,”; he said.

The donation paid immediate dividends in the form of arrests and appreciation.

At a school assembly yesterday, students and staff acknowledged Lee and Audio Visual Co. for helping to reduce graffiti on school grounds, a problem that has nagged the school for months.

Principal Sheldon Oshio said he is grateful to Lee for his generous donation, which helped reduce graffiti on campus 80 percent in the past week and a half.

“;We have so much appreciation for him and the others who are looking out for our students,”; said Oshio.

After technicians completed installation of the system, the visual company held an instructional session for faculty and staff on how to use the equipment, which included four surveillance cameras. At about 2:50 p.m. the following day, Dec. 3, cameras at the rear of the school captured three boys defacing a building with graffiti. School officials printed still images of the youths and gave them and the video to police.

Later that day, police arrested one of the juveniles, a Waimalu Elementary student, on suspicion of third-degree criminal property damage. The next day, police arrested two other students, ages 11 and 16, who attend other schools in the district, according to police.

Police officers from Pearl City were also recognized yesterday for their assistance.

Lee told the assembly that he was about to install the surveillance system at his Royal Summit home after he and his neighbors were burglarized. But he instead decided to help the school, which is across from his company's showroom.

During the assembly yesterday, many of the school's 545 grade K-6 students thanked company officials and police officers with tinsel leis, cards and signs.

“;With the cameras around, I feel safer. I feel Waimalu (Elementary) has a better environment,”; said fifth-grader Julie Oda.