Hawai‘i Police Department chief launches new monthly informal talk story sessions

New Hawaiʻi Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna is launching a new series of informal “Talk Story with the Chief” sessions aimed at strengthening communication and connection between police leadership and the community.

These monthly sessions will rotate around Hawaiʻi Island and provide residents an opportunity to meet directly with Mahuna and district commanders to share concerns, ask questions and discuss public safety issues in an open, conversational setting.

The first session is scheduled for 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 17) in the conference room at Waimea Civic Center, located at 67-5189 Kamāmalu St., in Waimea.

“Community engagement is a cornerstone of effective policing, and I am committed to increasing our department’s outreach efforts,” said Mahuna in announcing the new meet-and-greets. “These talk story sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn and build stronger relationships with the people we serve.”

Mahuna added that the informal format is intentional, reflecting the department’s goal of being accessible and responsive to the community.

“We want to meet people where they are, in their own communities and create space for genuine conversation,” he said. “By hearing directly from our residents, we can better understand their priorities and work together to address the issues that matter most.”

Future meeting dates and locations will be announced as they are scheduled.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

“We want residents to feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas because public safety is strongest when it is built on trust, communication and partnership,” Mahuna said.