KAILUA-KONA— In America, 86 police officers died in the line of duty last year.
Those fallen servicemen and women were remembered Tuesday at the Kealakehe Police Station as part of a ceremony commemorating Peace Officer Memorial Week.
The Big Island isn’t immune to the dangers that come with protecting and serving, although tragedy hasn’t struck in years.
Still, the Hawaii County Police Department has lost four of its officers in the line of duty, and those officers are now etched in history at a memorial dedicated to fallen officers that was unveiled in Hilo on Monday.
“It is truly my hope that we never have to engrave another name on that memorial, ever,” Police Chief Harry Kubojiri said during Tuesday’s ceremony attended by about 20 people from the public and dozens of officers.
The memorial was also a reminder that officers need to be vigilant and stay safe, he said.
There are four names on it: Manuel Cadinha, who died in 1918, William “Red” Oili, who died in 1926, Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who died in 1991, and Kenneth Keliipio, who died in 1997.
Keliipio’s niece, Kahea Keliipio, lit candles during the ceremony as a way to reflect.
“With all due respect to Maui, Kuauai, the City and County of Honolulu, California, Oregon, Washington and all states east, the very best (police officers) call Hawaii Island home,” Mayor Billy Kenoi said.
Chief Ranger Janette Chiron of the National Park Service thanked the HPD for their assistance to the department. She also honored Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who was killed Dec. 12, 1999, responding to a man who had three unleashed dogs at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Responding to the call, the 15-year veteran Makuakane-Jarrell was shot and killed with his own weapon by a man who was later found insane by a court of law.
He is the sole National Park Service ranger to have died in the line of duty on Hawaii Island.
Kenoi said that the community honors the police because “when you dial three numbers — 911 — you need help.”
And no matter where you are on the island, help will come, he said.
That was seen with stories in the newspaper where dangerous people are arrested, he said, or during the lava flows, tsunamis and other natural disasters that have impacted the island.
“It’s not just the job they do with the uniform on, it’s what they do with the uniform off,” he said, adding that they serve as role models in the community through their other roles.
The chance of death for police being killed dropped 20 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to preliminary FBI statistics.
In 2015, 41 officers were feloniously killed, such as being shot, and 45 died in line-of-duty accidents. Of those officers, eight died while investigating suspicious persons or circumstances, seven were engaged in tactical situations and six were involved in traffic stops or pursuits.
Accidental deaths were primarily the result of automobile deaths, with 29 killed.
One of the people recognized during Tuesday’s event was not a police officer, but aunty Elaine Watai, a long-time supporter of the police department, community watch volunteer and activist.
“She was a pillar of the community and as far as I’m concerned, always will be for the keiki,” said Kubojiri.
Sgt. Roy Valera said holding the event is important because it allows the community to honor the fallen and celebrate the men and women who work in the blue, tan and brown uniforms of law enforcement every day.
“And we try to do the best job,” he said.