The Hawaii Police Department’s 96th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held Dec. 30, 2022, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo.
The 96th Police Recruit Class began training on July 1, 2022, with seven police recruits completing the six months of intensive training. The 96th Police Recruit Class officers includes Kimberly Palea-Springer, Hunter Rapoza, Zachary Hale, Patrick Manila, Israel Mata, Tammy Messina, and Andrew Padilla.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Palea-Springer who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Mata was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room. Rapoza was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning.
The newly graduated officers will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.