Hawai’i Police Department’s ‘Police Week’

The Hawai’i Police Department is preparing for its annual Police Week, a nationally recognized week of activities that shows support of police work and recognized officers who have either died or been disabled in the line of duty.

This year, Hawai’i County’s Police Week is scheduled for Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15 and includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, a day created by John F. Kennedy in 1962.

Formal Police Week ceremonies will take place at the Hilo Police station on Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. and at the Kona Police station on Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. Both the Monday and Wednesday ceremonies are open to the public. The ceremonies will include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawai’i County police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Among those who will be honored will be Officer Manual 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, and Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.

On Friday, May 15, station tours in all districts will be offered to the public. The Hilo Police station will offer tours on Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Individuals interested in a tour should call Officer Jason Grouns at 961-3066 to schedule an appointment.