The Hawaii County Police Department commenced Police Week on Monday with a ceremony honoring those who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
The ceremony was held in front of the memorial wall located at the Hilo Police Station, where the names of the fallen officers are featured in gold lettering.
“It’s really an honor to be able to lead a department that has this kind of place,” Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said of the memorial after the ceremony. “This is a chance for us to remember, and for us to honor the people who have given their lives and sacrificed so much to make our community a safer place.”
The ceremony paid tribute to Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918, Officer William Oili, who gave his life in 1936, Officer Ronald 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, and Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who gave his life in 2018.
This year, a new name was added to the memorial wall, Captain T. Simeona, who was killed in a shootout with a suspect in North Kohala on Sept. 25, 1890.
“This is the first year we’ve recognized Captain T. Simeona’s sacrifice,” Moszkowicz said, sharing how he discovered Simeona’s story through newspapers and other archives while serving on the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation.
“Even then, law enforcement was taking on challenges well outside just enforcement,” Moszkowicz said. “This harrowing tale was nearly lost to the annals of history without the chance to honor Captain T. Simeona.”
This was the first time a name has been added to the wall since Moszkowicz became chief in December 2022.
“This memorial took over two decades to conceive, build and dedicate,” he said. “The memory of these seven officers will never perish, but will live on in all of us and our actions forever.”
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth attended the ceremony and offered words of support and admiration for the officers.
“Three weeks ago, we had another incident where we had officers that were shot at, and I’m so grateful and it feels so good that we did not end up with another name on this wall,” Roth told the crowd as rain started to fall. “On behalf of the people in the County of Hawaii, you are very much appreciated, and we do remember those who have been lost.”
A prayer was also given by Police Chaplain Renee Godoy.
“Our hearts go out to all of the family members gathered here today who suffered an unimaginable loss, and we salute you,” she said, adding families had flown in from as far away as Kentucky for the ceremony. “These men left their families to go to work without knowing if they were going to make it home, and this beautiful memorial wall is a reminder that their families never forget, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”
Police Week will continue until Friday, with members of the public invited to attend station tours at both the Hilo and Kona Police stations between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Police Week is a nice chance for people to remember not only the sacrifice that people on the wall made, but the sacrifices of their neighbors,” Moszkowicz said. “Those who are coaches for their kids, fellow congregates at church, in line with them at KTA on a daily basis, it’s a good chance and a good reminder to the community to just be thankful for all the police officers in this department who keep the community safe.”
Monday also marked Peace Officers Memorial Day, a nationwide holiday honoring all the police officers throughout the country who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Gov. Josh Green requested all U.S. and Hawaii state flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and all state offices and agencies.
“We honor the memory of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as law enforcement officers in our communities,” Green said in a release. “We salute their service and offer our deepest gratitude for their commitment. We also thank the courageous men and women who serve daily and are committed to creating safer communities year-round.”
Those interested in scheduling a tour of the police station during Police Week can reach out to Sergeant Amy Omaya at 808-961-2264.
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com