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Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna Named Interim Police Chief for Hawaiʻi Island

Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna, currently the second-highest-ranking officer in the Hawaiʻi Island Police Department (HPD), has been named the Interim Chief of Police, effective September 1, 2025. The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission made the appointment today, July 18, during its monthly meeting, following the departure of current Chief Benjamin T. Moszkowicz on August 31.

The Commission voted 6-2 to appoint Mahuna to the interim role, with Commissioners Jacob Tavares and Wendy Botelho opposing the appointment, reportedly preferring to solicit letters of interest from within the department for the position.

Statement from Interim Chief Mahuna: “I would like to thank the members of the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission for the trust they have put in me,” Interim Chief Mahuna stated. “When I started as a South Hilo patrol officer in 1998, I would never have dreamed where this career would take me. I am now entrusted with leading the finest police department in the nation, protecting one of the most beautiful places in the world. This community is very special, and I am honored and grateful beyond measure for all the support that they have given me.”

Mahuna also acknowledged the HPD’s personnel: “The men and women of the Hawaiʻi Police Department are the ones that put in the very hard work and risk their lives every day to protect us all. I will strive every day to be the leader that they deserve.” He affirmed his dedication to the community and respect for the Commission’s role in selecting a permanent chief. Mahuna, who was born and raised on the Big Island, has indicated his intention to apply for the permanent chief position when the time comes.

Background and Career of Reed Mahuna: Reed Mahuna is a long-serving veteran of the Hawaiʻi Police Department, having started as a South Hilo patrol officer in 1998. He brings 27 years of experience to the interim chief role.

His career progression within HPD includes a wide range of assignments:

Mahuna was named Acting Deputy Chief on July 1, 2023, and was permanently appointed as Deputy Police Chief effective January 16, 2024. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his contributions, including being a Hawaiʻi County Employee of the Year nominee in 2004-2005 and an Hawaiʻi State Law Enforcement Officials Association (HSLEOA) Officer of the Year nominee in 2003.

Context of the Transition: Mahuna’s appointment comes after the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission denied Chief Benjamin T. Moszkowicz’s request to withdraw his resignation at a hearing on July 10, effectively leading to Moszkowicz’s departure on August 31. Moszkowicz had initially resigned to pursue an interim chief position with the Honolulu Police Department, but later rescinded that resignation. The situation led to questions about his loyalty among some, including the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), Hawaiʻi Island Chapter.

The Police Commission is expected to discuss the process for selecting a permanent police chief at its August 22 meeting. While Mahuna will serve as interim chief, the acting chief position does not guarantee appointment as the permanent chief.

Hawaiʻi Island Police Chiefs in Recent History: The Hawaiʻi Police Department, established under the authority of the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission in 1943, has had a succession of chiefs. Chief Moszkowicz was the latest, following a line of leaders including Paul Ferreira (who retired in 2022), Harry Kubojiri (who retired in 2018), and Lawrence K. Mahuna (served 2002-2008). The appointment of an interim chief is a standard procedure to ensure continuous leadership during the search for a permanent replacement.

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