Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island Police Chief Benjamin T. Moszkowicz will step down from his position on August 31, 2025, following a 4-4 tie vote by the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission on Thursday, July 10, that effectively denied his request to withdraw his resignation. The tied vote meant the motion to accept his withdrawal failed, leading to his original resignation taking effect.
The decision by the Police Commission follows a period of uncertainty that began in early June. On June 4, Chief Moszkowicz had initially submitted his resignation to the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission, with an effective date of July 15, to pursue an opportunity as the interim chief of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). This move came at the recommendation of Honolulu City and County Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
However, just hours after tendering his resignation, Moszkowicz rescinded it, stating he learned that the Honolulu Police Commission, not the Mayor, held the authority to appoint the interim chief. The Honolulu Police Commission ultimately appointed Deputy Chief Rade Vanic as their interim chief on June 18, overlooking Moszkowicz for the role.
The situation raised concerns among the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission regarding Chief Moszkowicz’s commitment to the Big Island. At a previous meeting on June 20, a motion to reject his withdrawal of resignation failed by a 4-3 vote, as a 5-2 majority was required to force his original resignation. Moszkowicz did not attend that meeting, citing a family commitment.
In the wake of public and commission scrutiny, Chief Moszkowicz issued a public apology on June 27 for his “premature” decisions. He reiterated his “long-term commitment” to Hawaiʻi County and expressed hope for a second chance, pledging to remain as chief “for years to come” and not apply for other chief positions if allowed to stay.
Despite his apology and stated commitment, the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), Hawaiʻi Island Chapter, publicly indicated a belief that the chief had lost the loyalty of the officers and should be allowed to go. Conversely, Police Commission Chair Rick Robinson and some members of the department had expressed support for Moszkowicz, noting his work in recruitment and modernization since he assumed the role in December 2022 (sworn in January 2023).
Chief Moszkowicz, who previously served 22 years with the Honolulu Police Department, was also a runner-up for the HPD chief position three years prior to joining Hawaiʻi County.
The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission will now begin the process of searching for a new police chief to lead the department after Chief Moszkowicz’s final day in office on August 31, 2025.