Chief Ferreira to Retire From Hawai‘i Police Department

The Hawai‘i Police Department’s top cop plans to retire later this year.

According to a letter from Police Chief Paul Ferreira to employees of the police department, which was provided to Big Island Now, the chief intends to retire this fall.

“On June 17, 2022, during the meeting of the Hawai‘i County Police Commission, I informed the commissioners of my intent to retire from the Hawai‘i Police Department effective Sept. 1, 2022, after more than 40 years of service,” Ferreira’s letter says.

Ferreira says in the letter that it’s been an honor and privilege to serve as police chief since December 2016 “in what I know to be the finest police department in the nation, primarily because it is staffed with you, the finest men and women in Hawai‘i.”

“Over the past six years, you have endured some of the most challenging times for the Hawai‘i Police Department, from a devastating lava flow to the murder of a brother officer, the changing of public sentiment for law enforcement and then the COVID pandemic,” the letter says. “Through all of this adversity, you, the men and women of this department, have demonstrated your resilience and commitment in ensuring the safety of the Hawai’i Island community.”

The chief says in the letter that there are no words that can express how thankful he is for all of the support and hard work from the department’s employees that make it “the great organization it is today.”

“Although not always apparent, all your endeavors in making Hawai‘i Island a safe place to live are appreciated by the community, as not a day goes by that I do not receive a compliment from someone in the community who appreciates all that our employees do,” the letter says.

In the letter, Ferreira personally thanks all of the department’s employees for their support during the past six years while HPD has been under his leadership and wishes them the best in the future.

“I ask that you continue to support the department and the next police chief in the same way, so as to ensure that the Hawai‘i Police Department remains second to none in the nation,” his letter says.

“From me and my family, mahalo nui loa!!”