The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 94th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium in Hilo. In accordance with current social distancing restrictions, this was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the recruits. The public was able to view the ceremony live by visiting the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Facebook page.
The 94th Police Recruit Class began their training on June 1, 2021. They started off as 32 strangers who had come together from as far away as Estonia, Tahiti, New York, Indiana, Illinois, California, and Oahu, and from all over the Big Island. In the end, after six months of intensive training, 21 police recruits remained and graduated.
Officers came from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. Some had worked previously in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries, while others worked as a Japanese language teacher, sign fabricator, or for other federal, state, and county agencies.
Class Officers include Officer Onan Masaoka, Class President, Officer Boyd Bangloy, Vice President, Officer Keaolapule Fessenden-Grace, Secretary, and Officer Makena Nahooikaika, Treasurer.
Other members of the class are Miexia Ah Loy, Ryan Barrett, Joseph Brandner, John Chiquita IV, Jason Cunefare, Chyann Gabriel, Mark Kaili Jr., Frances Kaschan, Heiarii Lee Chip Sao, Jared-Taylor Makaweo-Quihano, Lawrence Matsumoto Jr., Kesia Quiocho, Chase Rasse, Vince Sanekane and Gyasi Williams.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Officer Miexia Ah Loy who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Officer Mark Kaili Jr. was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room.
Officer Keaolapule Fessenden-Grace was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning. Officer Onan Masaoka received the Overall Outstanding Recruit Award for his motivational and leadership qualities.
Our newly graduated officers will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
For 94th Hawai‘i Police Department Recruit Class Picture:
Front Row (Left to Right): Kesia Quiocho, Chase Rasse, Chyann Gabriel, Miexia Ah Loy, John Chiquita IV, Boyd Bangloy, Heiarii Lee Chip Sao, Ryan Barrett, Mark Kaili Jr., Alexis Amon-Wilkins
Back Row (Left to Right): Makena Naho’oikaika, Lawrence Matsumoto Jr., Chance Salva, Jason Cunefare, Vince Sanekane, Gyasi Williams, Joseph Brandner, Jared-Taylor Makaweo-Quihano, Keaolapule Fessended-Grace, Onan Masaoka, Frances Kaschan.