Honoring our Fallen

Four Hawaii Island officers killed in the line of duty, as well as two officers injured in a Hilo shooting earlier this year, were celebrated by fellow Hawaii Police Department officers and the community Tuesday in North Kona.

The National Police Week event at the Kealakehe Police Station honored the police officers who died in the line of duty while serving the Big Island community — Officer Manuel Cadinha in 1918; Officer William “Red” Oili in 1936; Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku in 1990; and Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who perished in the line of duty in 1997 following a fatal car accident involving an off-duty police officer.

In addition to those lost, the event recognized HPD Officers Garrett Hatada, a 14-year veteran of the department, and Joshua Gouveia, a four-year veteran. On Jan. 2, the officers suffered gunshot wounds to their legs allegedly inflicted by Martin Keaka.

The officers had responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Wailoa Pond in Hilo. Keaka was apprehended inside a home the next day. Neither officer has returned to duty, according to the department.

President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as National Peace Officer Memorial Day in 1962 and in 1994, President Bill Clinton directed the American flag on all government buildings be displayed at half-staff in remembrance of those killed. The week surrounding May 15 is known as National Police Week.