HPD Honors Fallen Officers During National Police Week

Six Big Island enforcement officers have died in the line of duty over the last 102 years. They were honored and remembered in a ceremony Monday.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. National Police Week is being observed this week Sunday, May 9, through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

On Monday morning, May 10, Police Chief Paul Ferreira and Hawai‘i Police Department held a private ceremony at the “Ka Malu Aloha” police memorial wall in Hilo.

Tribute was made to Officer Manuel 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, Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997, Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999, and Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2018.

As we continue to observe COVID-19 safe practices, and at the same time still pay tribute to our fallen heroes, adjustments were made to our annual Police Week ceremony. Ceremony guests were limited to the family members of fallen heroes, Mayor Mitch Roth, and HPD upper command personnel based on COVID protocol.

“This was a very tough decision, but we believe it was the right one as COVID-19 remains an ever-present threat,” the department said in a statement.

Those who wish to view the ceremony may do so by visiting the Hawaii Police Department’s Facebook page or by clicking on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiPoliceDepartment.