Police officers, dignitaries and community members gathered Wednesday in Kailua-Kona to honor the Big Island’s fallen law enforcement officers amid National Police Week.
The Hawaii Police Department held the annual event in Kona for the first time since the onset of the pandemic to recognize and honor five HPD officers and a National Park Service ranger who gave the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving their communities.
Those honored were 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; and Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2018.
“Thank-fully today as we rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to once again gather in-person for this year’s National Police Week joining police departments and communities throughout the nation in honoring and paying tribute to law enforcement professionals who’ve died while performing their duties,” said Hawaii Police Department Chief Paul Ferreira. “Sadly, for law enforcement, the nation last year in 2021 saw a 49% increase over the previous year in the number of officers who died in the line of duty, thus making the year 2021 the deadliest year in law enforcement history with 617 fatalities reported.”
Ferreira said the figure is in part higher due to the pandemic, as well as traffic fatalities involving officers. He noted however that as of Wednesday morning 107 line of duty deaths had been reported in 2022.
“On Monday, when we recognized Police Week in a ceremony in Hilo there were only 105 law enforcement professional that died so between Monday and today two other officers died,” he said.
Ferreira reminded attendees that National Police Week is also a time to recognize the courage of the men and women across the country who continue to serve.
“The time come has to pass along words of appreciation to these men and women for their dedication and perseverance in protecting our communities,” he said.
President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as National Peace Officer Memorial Day in 1962 and in 1994 President Bill Clinton directed the American flag on all government buildings be displayed at half-staff in remembrance of those killed. The week surrounding May 15 is known as National Police Week, 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.
During Police Week, members of the public also are encouraged to attend station tours at the Hilo and Kona police stations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.
Call Officer Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2264 to schedule an appointment for a tour.
