Retired Hawai‘i Island police commander arrested for violating domestic restraining order

Former Hawai‘i Island police Assistant Chief Mitchell Kanehailua Jr. of Hilo was arrested on Sunday after violating a restraining order following a domestic dispute in Kona, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.

At around 5:14 a.m. on Sunday, Kona patrol officers responded to a possible domestic dispute in the 73-4000 block of Hawai‘i Belt Road.

According to police, Kanehailua violated a protective order by entering the property of his 41-year-old ex-girlfriend and attempting to gain access to her residence. While outside the residence, the 57-year-old Kanehailua was met by a 47-year-old woman, whom he tried to strike but failed. Several men detained Kanehailua until officers arrived.

Kanehailua – who retired from the department in September 2019 – was arrested for violating an order of protection and harassment. 

Kanehailua joined the department in 1984 and rose through the ranks. He held assignments in Kona, Hilo, South Kohala, Hāmākua, Laupāhoehoe and Puna. He was promoted to assistant chief in late 2016.

He remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station where detectives with Area II Juvenile Aid Section continue the investigation. No charges have been officially filed.