Incoming Police Chief Paul Ferreira tapped into departmental internal affairs to select his second in command. ADVERTISING Incoming Police Chief Paul Ferreira tapped into departmental internal affairs to select his second in command. The county Police Commission on Tuesday unanimously
Incoming Police Chief Paul Ferreira tapped into departmental internal affairs to select his second in command.
The county Police Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved Capt. Kenneth Bugado Jr., commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit and Office of Professional Standards, to be deputy chief. Ferreira will be sworn in by Mayor Harry Kim, with Ferreira and Bugado taking office Dec. 31.
Ferreira and commission Vice Chairman Keith Morioka lauded Bugado’s administrative experience and his thorough understanding of the department’s policies and procedures.
“I think he’s a really good choice,” Morioka said. “He seems to have a lot of experience and is really knowledgeable about the policies.”
The Office of Professional Standards, previously known as Internal Affairs, is charged with investigating internal violations of policies and procedures and disciplining officers and employees. The Criminal Intelligence Unit gathers intelligence and identifies criminal patterns and criminal enterprises.
Bugado, a graduate of Laupahoehoe elementary and high schools, has more than 27 years in the county police force, working his way through the ranks.
“I’m just looking forward to the challenge, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Bugado said at the conclusion of the short special meeting called for his confirmation.
Mitchell Kanehailua, assistant chief for West Hawaii, has a lot of stories about growing up with Bugado.
“I’ve known him since we were young kids in Laupahoehoe,” Kanehailua told the commission.
“He used to suck at basketball at that time, but he improved,” he added to chuckles from the room.
Kanehailua said there’s solid substance beneath Bugado’s quiet exterior.
“He’s not the most outgoing person, but he gets the job done very effectively,” Kanehailua said. “He’s always been a real solid individual, and he’s a real role model for this department.”
The upper command structure of the department is undergoing transition upon the planned Dec. 30 retirement Dec. 30 of current Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, who has occupied the department’s top post for eight years. The department has a $65 million annual budget and 735 civilian and sworn positions.
Email Nancy Cook Lauer at ncook-lauer@westhawaiitoday.com.
