Hawaiʻi Island police chief announces four leadership promotions

The Hawai‘i Police Department announced four promotions effective May 1, elevating two officers to assistant chief, one to major and one to captain, Police Chief Reed Mahuna said in a press release.

“These promotions reflect not only professional excellence, but a genuine commitment to our community and the values of kuleana (responsibility) and mālama (care) that guide how we serve,” Mahuna said.

Thomas Shopay III, a 26-year department veteran, was promoted from major to assistant chief and now leads the Administrative Services Bureau, which oversees the Special Response Team, Administrative Services Division and Technical Services Division.

Shopay most recently served as major of Area II (Kona) Operations and previously led the Technical Services Division. His past assignments include captain of the Area II Criminal Investigation Division; lieutenant of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Kona Patrol, the Special Response Team and Area II Vice Section; and sergeant in the Special Response Team, Area II Vice Section and Kona Patrol.

He graduated from the FBI National Academy in September 2014. In August 2012, he received the department’s Silver Medal of Valor for risking his safety while securing explosive ordnance discovered near an electrical plant.

Rio Amon-Wilkins, a 27-year veteran, was promoted from captain to assistant chief and now commands Area II Operations, covering West Hawai‘i from North Kohala to Kaʻū.

Amon-Wilkins most recently served as captain of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division, overseeing the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Juvenile Aid Section, as well as the Crime Laboratory. His previous roles include lieutenant assignments in Area I Criminal Investigation, Area II Juvenile Aid and South Hilo Patrol. He also served as a sergeant/detective in Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Sections, Accreditation and the Office of Professional Standards, and as a field training officer in South Hilo.

In 2022, Amon-Wilkins received the Haweo Award from County Council members and was nominated for Hawai‘i County Manager of the Year in 2023.

Roylen Valera, a 29-year veteran, was promoted from captain to major and assigned to Area II Operations. He most recently served as captain of the South Kohala District.
Valera’s prior assignments include lieutenant roles in the Hāmākua District and Area II Juvenile Aid Section; detective in Area II Criminal Investigation and Juvenile Aid; sergeant of the Kona Community Policing Section; and service as a school resource officer and patrol officer in Hāmākua.

He graduated from the FBI National Academy in December 2021. His honors include Officer of the Month by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i and the Champion and Protector’s award from the East Hawaii Children’s Justice Center. In November 2025, he was recognized by the Hawai‘i State Senate and Hawai‘i County Council for his commitment to public safety and youth outreach.

Jeremy Scott Lewis, a 24-year veteran, was promoted from lieutenant to captain and now oversees the Area I Criminal Investigation Division, including the Criminal Investigation Section, Juvenile Aid Section and Crime Laboratory.

Lewis most recently served as lieutenant of Kona Patrol. His prior assignments include sergeant/detective in Area II Vice, the Criminal Investigation Section, and Kona Patrol, and police officer III in Area II Vice. He was also assigned to the Special Response Team from 2011 to 2023.

Lewis graduated from the FBI National Academy in March 2024. He was named Officer of the Month by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee in January 2010 and April 2011, and Officer of the Year in 2011.

“I am proud of each of these leaders for the integrity, humility and aloha they bring to their work every day,” Mahuna said.