MEDIA RELEASE

Police Week festivities on Hawaiʻi Island will be held next week (May 15-21).

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 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. In Hawaiʻi County, Police Week activities this year are scheduled from Monday, May 16, to Friday, May 20.

The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 16th, 10 a.m., at the Hilo police station and Tuesday, May 17th, 11 a.m. at the Kona police station. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County police 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 and Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.

During this year’s Hilo event, there will be a dedication ceremony for the new Police Memorial, “Ka Malu Aloha”, which has been erected adjacent to the East Hawaii Detention Facility. The wall will stand forever, in remembrance of these fallen heroes, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving the residents of the County of Hawaii.

Also during Police Week, station tours for all districts will be offered to the public. Station tours at the Hilo Police station will be on Tuesday, May 17th, with tours being held at 9 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Call Officer Jason Grouns at 961-3066 to schedule an appointment.