The Hawaiʻi County Police Department is inviting the public to a number of Police Week festivities, which is currently running through Friday, May 16.
Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of law enforcement work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week.
On May 16, the public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies at the West Hawaii Civic Center at 11am. The ceremony will include entertainment and a tribute to HPD officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Below is a list of officers who will be honored:
- Captain T.N. Simeona, who gave his life in 1890.
- Officer Michol Octobre, who gave his life in 1916.
- Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.
- Officer William “Red” Oili, who gave his life in 1936.
- Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990.
- Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.
- Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.
- Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2018.
Bios of each fallen officer can be viewed at https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/about-us/in-memoriam/
Station tours will be offered at the Hilo Police station on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call Officer Kaipokoka Aurello at (808) 961-3381.