Police Chief Paul Ferreira told the Hawaii County Police Commission on Friday that he will retire from the Hawaii Police Department.
“I informed the Hawaii Police Commission and Mayor Roth on Friday that I submitted my application to the State Employee’s Retirements System to be effective Sept. 1, 2022,” Ferreira said in a statement.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the police chief since December 2016 in what I know to be the finest police department in the nation, primarily because it is staffed with the finest men and women in Hawaii,” Ferreira said in an internal memo to staff.
In the letter addressed to staff Ferreira stated, “There are no words that can truly express how thankful I am for all of the support and hard work from each of you that make the Hawaii Police Department the great organization it is today. Although not always apparent, all your endeavors in making Hawaii Island a safe place to live are appreciated by the community, as not a day goes by that I do not receive a compliment from someone in the community who appreciates all that our employees do.”
Ferreira joined the department in July 1982, starting his career as a patrol officer, and subsequently became a detective. He then held several positions in the Administrative Bureau, including assistant chief, and was named deputy chief by Chief Harry Kubojiri in December 2008. Ferreira served as deputy chief until December 2016, when he was selected by the Police Commission to serve as police chief.
Ferreira said the department is not involved in the selection process of the next chief. All questions regarding the selection process for the police chief position should be directed to the Hawaii County Police Commission at (808) 932-2950.