Public Invited to Police Week Ceremonies, Tours

The Hawaii Police Department is inviting the public to take part in Police Week activities beginning Monday.

Police Week is celebrated nationally in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

On the Big Island, formal ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Hilo police station with entertainment and a tribute to fallen officers.

Officer William “Red” Oili. HPD photo.

A similar event will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Kona police station.

Those to be honored include Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who died when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by an off-duty police officer in 1997; and Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who succumbed to injuries sustained while trying to break up a fight involving 200 people on Banyan Drive in 1991.

Also included in the tribute will be Officer William “Red” Oili, who died in 1936, and Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.

During Police Week, tours of all stations will be available to the public on Friday, May 16. At the Hilo station they will be held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call Officer Patrick Menino at 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.

Officer Manuel Cadinha. HPD photo.

The events also include the inaugural “Run to Honor,” a 5K Run/2-mile Walk and Keiki Fun Run, being held Saturday, May 17, at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo.

Police Week began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls Police Week.