Hawai’i Police Department announced that effective August 31, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado began serving as Acting Police Chief until a new police chief is selected by the Police Commission. Acting Chief Bugado has served as Deputy Chief since January 2017 when he was sworn in with recently retired Chief Paul Ferreira.

Acting Chief Bugado will oversee the continuity of operations for administrative and line functions, as well as provide consistent performance and service delivery to the Big Island community during this transition period.

The Hawai‘i County Police Commission is responsible for the hiring of the next Police Chief and inquiries regarding that selection process can be directed to the Commission office at (808) 932-2950.

Following his Announcement, acting Police Chief Kenneth Bugado announced that eight officers have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Detective effective September 1, 2022.

Two officers have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and both are assigned to the Puna District.

• Sergeant Michael Matsumura, a 13-year veteran of the department, most recently served as a School Resource Officer in the South Hilo District.
• Sergeant David Poohina, a nine-year veteran, most recently served as Police Officer II in the Puna District.

Six officers have been promoted to the rank of Detective. Four of the six newly promoted detectives are assigned to Area II Criminal Investigations Division, Criminal Investigations Section.

• Detective Jason Foxworthy has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served with the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit.
• Detective Matthew Lewis, a 15-year veteran of the department, most recently served as a Community Policing Officer in the South Hilo District.
• Detective Len Hamakado has been with the department for nine years and most recently served in the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit.
• Detective Steven Grace has been with the department for five years and most recently served in the Area II Vice Section.

Two recently promoted detectives are assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigations Division, Juvenile Aid Section.

• ​Blayne Matsui, a 12-year veteran of the department, most recently served as Police Officer III in the Puna District.
• John Kari, a nine-year veteran of the department, most recently served as Community Policing Officer in the Hāmākua District.