Hawaiʻi Police Department rolling out 21 new marked patrol vehicles

Hawaiʻi Police Department is rolling out a total of 21 new police “blue and white” marked vehicles around the Big Island.

The department has 18 new marked sport-utility vehicles and three marked full-size pickup trucks that are being distributed throughout all districts on Hawaiʻi Island.

The new vehicles — commonly referred to as “blue and whites” — will enhance patrol capabilities and replace aging vehicles in the department’s fleet.

Many of the vehicles being replaced went into service as early as 2006. The new marked vehicles represent a significant step toward modernizing the fleet.

The three full-sized 2024 pickup trucks will be assigned specifically to the Hāmākua, North Kohala and Kaʻū districts to support operations in those areas. The remaining 2025 SUVs will be allocated to districts around the island.

“These new vehicles underscore our ongoing commitment to the community by equipping our officers with reliable, up-to-date equipment so they can continue to serve and protect the people of Hawaiʻi Island with greater efficiency and safety,” said Hawaiʻi Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna in a department release.

Officers in the affected districts expect to begin operating the new “blue and whites” in coming weeks as older units are phased out.