Hawaii Island residents and visitors are invited to attend Police Week festivities, including station tours, during the national event next week.
Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police 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. In Hawaii County, Police Week activities will take place from Monday, May 15, through Friday, May 19.
The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 15, at the Hilo police station and at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Kona police station.
Both ceremonies include preceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaii County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Police will pay tribute to:
— 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.
During the Hilo ceremony, a new name will be unveiled on the Memorial Wall.
The department recently learned that police Capt. T. N. Simeona was murdered in a shootout with a suspect in North Kohala on Sept. 25, 1890.
“Back in 1890, the department as we know it today did not exist,” said Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz.
“Rather, officers were overseen by a sheriff, who was appointed by a police marshal on Oahu,
who in turn was appointed by the king. While not technically a member of the department, we consider Captain Simeona a part of our law enforcement ‘ohana. We are pleased he is finally being recognized and honored for the ultimate sacrifice he made protecting our island community.”
During Police Week, members of the public are encouraged to attend station tours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at the Hilo and Kona police stations. Please call Sergeant Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.
