KAILUA-KONA — Police Chief Paul Ferreira on Wednesday announced the promotion of 14 Hawaii Police Department officers.
Among those being promoted effective Nov. 1 is Major Robert Wagner who will become assistant chief of Area II, overseeing police operations in West Hawaii — including Ka‘u, Kona and South and North Kohala. Wagner, who began his career with the department in 1986, is currently assigned to the administrative services division.
Of the remaining 13 promotions, all but two are within Area II.
Aron Tomota, who currently works in Kona Patrol Community Policing, will become an Area II Criminal Investigative Section detective. Darren Cho, who’s currently assigned to the Office of Professional Standards/Criminal Intelligence Unit, will assume the rank of Area II VICE detective.
Sheldon Nakamoto, currently working in the Area II Juvenile Aid Section, will become a detective in the Area II Criminal Investigative Section. Keith Simeona Jr., currently assigned to South Hilo Patrol Community Policing, will join Nakamoto in the section as a detective.
Two other officers working in South Hilo Patrol will also be assuming the rank of detective in Area II. Kayla Makino will be assigned to the Criminal Investigative Section while Kevin Brodie will be assigned to the Juvenile Aid Section.
The remaining seven promotions are to the rank of sergeant. Five will be assigned to Area II while two will be assigned to Area I.
John Kahalioumi, currently assigned to North Kohala Patrol, will be a sergeant in South Kohala Patrol. Nelson Cacho Sr., a school resource officer in South Kohala, will be assigned to North Kohala Patrol.
Davy Kamalii Jr, who currently works in Puna Patrol, will also head to North Kohala Patrol, as will Jeremy Riddle, who’ll move up from his position in Puna Patrol.
Joseph Passmore, currently assigned to Area II VICE, will head be assigned to South Kohala Patrol. Brian Souki, currently working in the Office of Professional Standards/Criminal Intelligence Unit, will head to Puna Patrol.
Paul Mangus, a community policing officer in South Hilo Patrol, will be assigned to the Administrative Services Division – CALEA.
“Most of the promotions in Area II are replacing Sergeants/Detectives that have transferred to other assignments. But we have gained two additional positions,” said Wagner. “In South Kohala, John Kahalioumi will be a new sergeant. John comes with experience working in North Kohala, as well as working with Area II SEU on several operations, he will be an immediate asset to the South Kohala community. North Kohala is getting a new sergeant, Nelson Cacho comes with experience working the beats of South Hilo Patrol, as well as being a School Resource Officer in South Kohala, with his knowledge of the schools, and working the beat he will also have an immediate impact in the North Kohala community,” he continued.
“We are fortunate to fill the ranks, and even more fortunate to have the ranks filled by so many experienced officers who will I believe immediately make an impact in Area II, as well those assigned to Area I,” he continued.