KAILUA-KONA — Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell stood with the Hawaii Police chief and other law enforcement officials as they lit a candle for her father during a ceremony for National Police Week. ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell stood with the Hawaii Police
KAILUA-KONA — Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell stood with the Hawaii Police chief and other law enforcement officials as they lit a candle for her father during a ceremony for National Police Week.
Hawaii police officers stood, Tuesday, under a tent in the parking lot of the Kona police station in respect to honor the fallen officers over the years. The week pays tribute to the fallen and injured officers who work in the state, federal or local departments.
This was the first year Hawaii police officially recognized Park Ranger Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell, who was shot to death while working in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in 1999.
Police Chief Paul K. Ferreira said he was happy they could recognize him. It was a long-time coming, especially since his daughter Kimmerlyn now works in the police department’s K-9 unit.
Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell said the recognition of her father was nice, unexpected and appreciated.
Makuakane-Jarrell said she’s been with Hawaii police for nearly 10 years. What happened to her father had some influence on her decision to join the force.
The officer said Police Week is an important way for the public to get to know officers and see that they are humans, too.
“Usually people call police when they’re in a bad situation,” Makuakane-Jarrell said. “This is a good time for people to talk to officers while not coming out of a bad situation.”
Chief ranger of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park Janette Chiron spoke at the ceremony. She thanked the department for honoring their fallen ranger.
Steve Makuakane-Jarrell was shot after responding to a visitor’s complaint of a man with three unleashed dogs. Upon confronting the suspect, a struggled ensued and the suspect gained control of Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell’s service weapon and shot him several times.
The suspect in 2006 was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity and committed to a federal mental institution.
Being on an island, Chiron said, she appreciates the mutual aid agreement they share with all the departments.
“We all serve not just our home state, but the American public,” she said.
Following the event, Chiron said, Police Week is a moment for the community to honor law enforcement for their sacrifice and recognize the hazardous work they do.
Mayor Harry Kim also spoke at the ceremony. He said everyone knows the basic duties of a law enforcement officer.
“All citizens should know this about the men and women standing behind you – they are someone’s father, brother, son, mother, sister, daughter,” Kim said. “They’re just people who put on a badge and decided they were going to do this as a career.”
Kim gave examples where officers displayed exemplary behavior to help a Hawaii resident.
“I thank you very much for what you do,” the mayor said. “I don’t think I have the inside strength for it.”
A national monument in Washington D.C. recognizes more than 20,000 fallen law enforcement officers across the country. Fifty-five of those names come from the state of Hawaii.
Also recognized Tuesday were: William “Red” Oili; Manuel Cadinha; Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku; and Kenneth Keliipio.
“It is my hopes and prayers never to add another name to that memorial,” Ferriera said.
