Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeKealoha sworn in as Honolulu's new police chief
Member Center:
Chief Louis Kealoha with daughter Kristina and wife Kathy
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 2,500 employees at the Honolulu Police Department have a new boss. Louis Kealoha was sworn in today as police chief. The former captain beat out five other finalists to win the top cop job.
Louis Kealoha is just 49 year old and has worked for the department more than half his life. He is also smart with four graduate degrees including a doctorate from USC and plans to use his brains to backup the badge.
Louis Kealoha became the 10th police chief of the Honolulu Police Department. His wife Kathy and daughter Kristina pinned on his new badge and he put pen to paper to sign for the job. Then he addressed those that have pinned their hopes in him.
"I have many things to be thankful for today. My beautiful family, my beautiful friends and the opportunity to serve as the chief of police of the City and County of Honolulu," said Chief Kealoha.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann acknowledged the tough road ahead, especially with budget problems and he says he's willing to work together.
"I want Chief Kealoha to know my administration stands ready to support his efforts. He brings with him energy, optimism, hope and a plan to make our police department even better," said Mayor Hannemann during the ceremony.
Chief Kealoha has a five year plan to restructure the department, improve officer morale and strengthen community service. Today he would not offer further details concentrating instead on the ceremony.
"It feels good. I'm ready to work. The phone calls and emails are trickling so now I'm ready to get to work," said Kealoha.
"Family and friends are his first priority and I have to say all of the officers at HPD are included in his term as family. This is a very exciting day for him and I know he'll do a great job," said Kathy Kealoha, spouse.
Three top deputy and assistant chiefs have now resigned. The chair of the police commission says it was not some sort of statement or protest instead saying they were appointed positions and they will let Kealoha choose his own deputy and assistant chiefs.
Copyright 2009 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Comments Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. Notify us of any inappropriate comments by clicking the “Mark as Offensive” link. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
One person is dead after a rental car plunged off a cliff and burst into flames in Leeward Oahu Saturday night. A passer-by reported seeing More>>
A man is hospitalized after being pinned underneath a van that crashed. It happened at a construction site on Skyview Loop in the... More>>
Crews have fixed a broken water pipe in the Wahiawa town area on Sunday. Water has also been restored to all affected businesses. The Board of More>>
A motorcyclist was in critical condition with a head injury, after a crash on the H-1 Freeway Sunday afternoon. It happened on the east-bound side near the University off-ramp... More>>
Hawaii's leaders react to the passing of former Congressman and broadcaster Cec Heftel. Heftel died Thursday... More>>
Safety. That's what Hawaii Toyota dealers say comes first after a massive nationwide recall of some of its vehicles, all involving sticky gas More>>
A somber memorial was held Friday to honor a young woman who died at a McDonald's drive-thru. About 30 of Raelynn Adam's friends and family... More>>
Frank Fasi, who served as Honolulu mayor longer than any other person, died Wednesday night... More>>
Viewers fondly remember "The Mayor". Please send us your memories of Mayor Frank Fasi... More>>
The search for a missing Oahu real estate agent intensified Tuesday, after his car was located on Oahu's... More>>
>
