Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors are invited to attend Police Week festivities, including station tours, during the national event next week.
Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. In Hawaiʻi County, Police Week activities will take place from Sunday, May 12, through Friday, May 18, 2024.
The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 13, at 10:00 a.m., at the Hilo police station and Friday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Police will pay tribute to:
Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.
Officer William “Red” Oili, who gave his life in 1936.
Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990.
Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.
Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.
Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty on July 18, 2018.
Police Captain T. Simeona, who was killed in the line of duty on September 25, 1890.
During the Hilo ceremony, a new name will be unveiled on the Memorial Wall. The department recently learned that Hilo Police Officer Michol Octobre was murdered in a shootout with a suspect in Kalopa on December 8, 1916.
Hilo and Kalopa were gripped by fear as a serial killer, Maxime Bondad, terrorized the community.
Officer Octobre, undercover as a laborer, embarked on a dangerous mission to locate Bondad. His dedication led to a crucial lead – Bondad’s suspected hiding place.
With Deputy Sheriff Rickard by his side, Officer Octobre bravely ascended the Kalopa hillside. Despite the risk, he attempted a peaceful resolution by calling out to Bondad. This courageous act tragically went unanswered. A single gunshot shattered the quiet. Bondad, who was hidden in the brush, shot and fatally wounded Officer Octobre. Officers returned gunfire and killed Bondad where he hid.
Officer Michol Octobre, and all heroes whose names grace this wall, deserve our deepest gratitude, utmost respect, and a promise: We will never forget.
During Police Week, members of the public are encouraged to attend station tours at the Hilo and Kona Police stations on Friday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Sergeant Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.