Hawaiʻi County Police Week Festivities, May 15-19

Police Week will take place May 15-19, 2017 on Hawaiʻi Island. Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

From L-R: Manuel Cadinha, William “Red” Oili, Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, Kenneth Keliipio, Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. Photo Courtesy

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week.

The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 15, at 10 a.m., at the Hilo police station and Tuesday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at the Kona police station. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Police will pay tribute to Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918, Officer William “Red” Oili, who gave his life in 1936, Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990, Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997, and Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.

During Police Week, station tours for all districts will be offered to the public. Station tours at the Hilo Police station will be on Wednesday, May 17, with tours being held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call Officer Van Reyes at 961-2264, to schedule an appointment.