Police major promoted to assistant chief

Hawaii Police Department Maj. James O’Connor was promoted to assistant police chief Feb. 16 and assigned to the Area II Operations Bureau.

O’Connor began his career with the department as a recruit in June 1993.

He served as a police officer in the South Kohala, South Hilo and Hamakua patrol districts, and as a sergeant/detective in the Kona and South Kohala patrol districts and Internal Affairs Unit.

He then served as a lieutenant in the Records and Identification Section and Special Response Team, as a captain in Ka‘u and the Criminal Intelligence/Internal Affairs Unit, and as a major in the Area II Operations Bureau and Administrative Services Bureau/Technical Services Section.

“I am excited about returning to Area II Operations and to have the opportunity to again work with a wonderful group of hardworking and dedicated professionals,” O’Connor said about his new position.

“I also look forward to connecting with the various community members from North Kohala to Ka‘u to build a positive relationship that will allow us to work together to solve the problems that impact our communities.”