HPD’s 94th Recruit Class Graduates

The Hawaiʻi Police Department congratulated the graduating members of its 94th police recruit class during a ceremony Dec. 15 in Hilo.

The recruits began their training June 1, 2021, starting off as 32 strangers who came together from as far away as Estonia, Tahiti, New York, Indiana, Illinois, California and Oʻahu, and from around the Big Island. After six months of intensive training, 21 police recruits graduated.

Officers came from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. Some had worked in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries, while others worked as a Japanese language teacher, sign fabricator or for other federal, state and county agencies.

Class officers include Officer Onan Masaoka, class president; Officer Boyd Bangloy, vice president; Officer Keaolapule Fessenden-Grace, secretary; and Officer Makena Nahooikaika, treasurer.

Other members of the class are Miexia Ah Loy, Ryan Barrett, Joseph Brandner, John Chiquita IV, Jason Cunefare, Chyann Gabriel, Mark Kaili Jr., Frances Kaschan, Heiarii Lee Chip Sao, Jared-Taylor Makaweo-Quihano, Lawrence Matsumoto Jr., Kesia Quiocho, Chase Rasse, Vince Sanekane and Gyasi Williams.

Special recognition was given to those recruits who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training.

The academic award was given to Ah Loy, who attained and upheld the highest grade-point average on weekly and certification examinations. Kaili Jr. was presented with the firearms award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed in the department’s training room.

Fessenden-Grace was honored with the physical fitness award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning. Masaoka received the overall outstanding recruit award for his motivational and leadership qualities.

The newly graduated officers now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.