Hawai‘i Police Department publicizes staff promotion

The Hawai‘i Police Department announced the promotion of Scott Amaral from Captain to Major in a Monday press release.

The promotion went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, according to the statement, which noted Amaral as a 23-year veteran of the department.

Amaral is assigned to the Area I Field Operations Bureau, which encompasses the police department’s East Hawaii districts of Puna, Hāmākua, and South Hilo.

“Scott has been in the position of Area I Major for some time in an acting capacity,” said Deputy Police Chief Reed Mahuna in a statement. “He has done a terrific job and we are very excited to be able to make his promotion permanent.”

Amaral most recently served as the Acting Major of the Area I Field Operations Bureau from July 16, 2023, until his promotion to Major. Prior to that he held the position of Captain of the Puna District. He has also served as Lieutenant in South Hilo Patrol and the Records Section, Detective in the Office of Professional Standards, the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, and the Area I Juvenile Aid Section.

While working in the Juvenile Aid Section, Major Amaral was recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month in June 2015.

He has also worked as a Community Policing Officer in Puna, patrol officer assignments in Ka‘ū  and Puna, and an initial cellblock assignment in Kona.