Hawaii Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz has announced the promotion of Scott Amaral, a 23-year veteran of the department, from captain to major.
Amaral is assigned to East Hawaii Field Operations Bureau, which encompasses Puna, Hamakua and South Hilo.
“Scott has been in the position of (East Hawaii major) for some time in an acting capacity,” said Deputy Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “He has done a terrific job and we are very excited to be able to make his promotion permanent.”
Amaral was the acting major of the East Hawaii Field Operations Bureau from July 16 until his promotion to major on Jan. 1.
Prior to that, he was the captain commanding the Puna District.
He has also served as a lieutenant in South Hilo Patrol and the Records Section, detective in the Office of Professional Standards, the East Hawaii Criminal Investigation and Juvenile Aid sections.
While working in the Juvenile Aid Section, Amaral was recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii as Officer of the Month in June 2015.
He has also worked as a community policing officer in Puna, patrol officer assignments in Ka‘u and Puna, and an initial cellblock assignment in Kona.