New Hilo Monument Honors Fallen Officers

Candles burn in honor of fallen officers Manuel Cadinha, William “Red” Oili, Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku and Kenneth Keliipio. HPD photo.

An unveiling and blessing took place on Monday during a Police Week ceremony in dedication of a memorial wall dedicated to Hawai’i Police Department officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Ka Malu Aloha is the name of the permanent memorial, meaning “The Shelter of Aloha.”

The monument honors four HPD officers who have been killed while in the line of duty since 1918, including Manuel Cadinha in 1918, Willian “Red” Oli in 1936, Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku in 1990, and Kenneth Keliipio in 1997.

Jitchaku’s sister, Momi Cazimero, was the driving idea behind the project, saying it was her mission since the day he died on May 7, 1990.

Ka Malu Aloha, a newly-unveiled memorial, honors Hawaiʻi Island police officers killed in the line of duty. HPD photo.

“A monument represents a group hug into perpetuity,” said Cazimero, who identified that the granite center of the monument represents the fallen officers, the rocks surrounding it represent the open arms of people, and a thin blue light represents police officers.

The fallen officers were honored by other Police Week speakers, who also commended Cazimero for her efforts in following her dream to create the monument.

President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls on as Police Week.

A ceremony will be held in Kona on Tuesday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at the Kona Police Station.