The Hawaiʻi Police Department mourns the loss of loyal K-9 partner after preventable tragedy

K-9 Archer, a valued member of the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Vice Section, died after being left unattended in a police vehicle.

According to the department, K-9 Archer was left unattended for an unacceptable amount of time and passed away on Thursday, Sept. 4.

“This was a preventable tragedy — dogs should not be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time,” said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “Archer was not just a police dog; he was a partner, protector, and a member of our police family.”

The department stated it will conduct a comprehensive review of K-9 policies and procedures to determine if adjustments can prevent a similar incident in the future.

“The K-9 handler involved in this case is devastated, as you would expect. Nevertheless, a thorough criminal and administrative investigation will be conducted,” Mahuna said. “We are committed to accountability and ensuring something like this never happens again.”

Archer, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix from Hungary, joined the Hawaiʻi Police Department in 2021 and was trained in narcotics detection. He served alongside his handler in numerous operations, assisting in keeping drugs and dangerous contraband off Hawaiʻi Island streets.

“Please be mindful that you should never leave a dog in a hot car. Leaving your car in the shade, with water for the dog or with the windows partially down even in mild weather, will not prevent your dog from overheating,” Mahuna cautioned. “Hundreds of dogs die each year being left unattended in vehicles, and that number is surely much higher, as many cases are never reported.”