The Hawaii Police Department’s 83rd Recruit Class was honored Tuesday during ceremonies held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. ADVERTISING The Hawaii Police Department’s 83rd Recruit Class was honored Tuesday during ceremonies held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The police recruits,
The Hawaii Police Department’s 83rd Recruit Class was honored Tuesday during ceremonies held at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
The police recruits, who just completed six months of intensive training, will undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone. Class president Adam M.K. Cho said the recruits built a strong bond over the course of their training. They chose “Imua e na ikaika loa,” which means “The mighty push forward,” as their class motto.
“This motto represents us with our motivation and drive for whatever was thrown our way,” Cho said.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, friends or family members pinned new police badges on each police recruit. Chief Harry Kubojiri described the badge as a symbol of public trust.
“Keep it always shining as an example of your inner self,” Kubojiri said.
Mayor Billy Kenoi noted that of the 2,500 county employees, only 400 are presented with a gun, a badge and the power to make arrests. With that, he said, comes “incredible responsibility.”
Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra emphasized the importance of credibility, humility, courtesy, objectivity, awareness the public is watching, expectation of the unexpected and common sense.
Police Commissioner Robert Gomes, a retired police officer who continues working as a reserve officer, told the recruits it is “a great honor” to get into the Hawaii Police Department.
The keynote speaker was Deputy Prosecutor Rick Damerville. He stressed that a member of the public who comes into contact with any police officer is a “future juror” who can form an opinion about police officers as a group.
“Being polite pays off,” Damerville said.
During the ceremony, three officers received special recognition for excellence: Terence G. Scanlan Jr., academic award; Christopher R. Barto, firearms award; and Bryson K. Pilor, physical fitness award.
The other members of the 83rd Recruit Class are Sheldon M. Adviento, Tristin C.K. Allen, Joshua K. Baumgarner, Roger W.B. Carvalho Jr., Wilson A. Gani, Conrad S.K. Iranon, Brian H. Kohara, Chance K.K. Lunsford, Keenanlee K.P. Ouranitsas, Jason W.K. Rabang, Chad S. P. Sato and Dayson K. Taniguchi.
