Lt. Carolyn T. Onaga Retires after 31 years with The Honolulu Police Department

After 31 years with the Honolulu Police Department and under the commands of police chiefs Francis Keala, Douglas Gibb, Michael Nakamura, Lee Donohue, Boisse Correa, and currently Louis Kealoha, Lt. Carolyn T. Onaga was honored by Chief Louis Kealoha, her family and friends today, June 28, 2011 at the Willows Restaurant. The Master of Ceremony was Major Moana Heu of District 2. Other guests in attendance included Chief Louis Kealoha, Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro, Deputy Chief Marie McCauley, Assistant Chief Gregory Leftcourt and Wesley Wong representing U.S. Attorney (Hawaii) Florence Nakakuni and Police Chaplain Andrew Kikuta who gave the blessing at today's luncheon.

Chief Louis Kealoha reflected back over Carolyn's 31 years of dedicated service with the Honolulu Police Department. He shared one fond memory of when he was in recruit school. He was on the "bubble," and his last chance on EVOC, Emergency Vehicle Operation Course. Carolyn was the instructor and he recalled her telling him, "this is your last chance, if you don't do it, you're going to be out!" She just said "do your best" and this Chief Kealoha said he will always remember and has taken that with him into his career and into his personal life. He also wanted to thank her for being a friend over the years. Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro also applauded Carolyn for her dedication and added that where ever Carolyn went, she always made a big impact within that department. She was especially very instrumental in starting up the DARE program and even today, she is still instrumental in re-focusing on the DARE program.

Carolyn was appointed on 11/16/79 and has been at District 1, CID, Training Division, Desk Sergeant, Community Relations, Juvenile Services Division, District 5, District 6 and Lieutenant in The Human Resources Division.

After the luncheon, Carolyn was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Attorney's Office by Wesley Wong who was representing U.S. Attorney (Hawaii) Florence Nakakuni. Captain Kent Harada of the Honolulu Police Department presented her with an HPD Badge clock inscribed with her badge number, name, start date (11/16/79) and retirement date (06/30/2011). As a bonus, because it takes time to receive her first retirement check, she was presented with a box of wrapped dollar bills. "Congratulations" Carolyn on your retirement. You were truly the "heart" of the Human Resources Division and I can say this, as it was a privilege to have worked with you during my 18 years at HRD. A Hui Hou Kakou - "Till we meet again."

32nd Annual "2011" Pan-Pacific Festival - "Three Day Celebration" on Oahu

It was a celebration of three great days of continuous entertainment in Waikiki which started off with a ho'olaule'a (hawaiian celebration) on Friday, June 10, 2011. The 32nd Annual Pan Pacific Festival was here in town with taiko drums, Japanese hula halau groups, a lot of cultural exhibits and local foods along Kalakaua Avenue. The festival started near Kuhio Avenue with hula dancing that ran into Saturday, and continued at the Royal Hawaiian Center and on to Ala Moana Center Stage on Sunday, June 12, 2011. The festival finale ended with a Pan Pacific Parade through Waikiki with beautiful Shinto style lantern floats, high school bands, modern dancers which included cultures from around the world. Leika Hitomi (photo above) from the Leika Hula Studio performed at the Ala Moana Center stage this morning with a crowd of onlookers who showed their appreciation for her graceful hula performance. To read more about this special event, "click" here.

SMSgt Bridget Komine to the rank of CMSgt Pearl Harbor-Hickam at Forst Point, Oahu

Today, June 5, 2011 at Foster Point which is located at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Airforce Base, Oahu, Brigadier General Stanley J. Osserman Jr. Commander, Hawaii, Air National Guard held a Pinning Ceremony for SMSgt. Bridget Komine (top photo) who was promoted to the rank of CMSgt. SMSgt. Komine's husband Howard Kelly (President Branch 860 National Association of Letter Carriers) Komine, sons, Lorin Kaimana, Jordyn Kanoa, Britton Joel Hiapo (Wide Receiver for the UH Warriors) were present. Also from Brighton, Colorado was SMSgt. Komine's parents, Lorin & Lora Mackey, sister Martha North and daughter Lora North, and grandson Kaden Komine and Lia Laea granddaughter.

The pinning started off with the National Anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i sung by MSgt. Gaylen Ho followed by a prayer by Chaplain Major Boling. The Master of Ceremony was the son of SMSgt. Komine, Britton Komine. The Chiefs creed was given by Command Chief Lee, and Command Chief Rafael presented SMSgt. with 2 coins to protect no matter what. Then, Brigadier General Stanley J. Osserman highlighted everyone on SMSgt. Komine's achievements and her well deserved promotion, as well as General Ann Greenlee, Director of the joint staff Hawaii Air National Guard. Congratulations to SMSgt. Bridget Komine who will continue her Recruiting and Retention Superintendent position since December 2004, but now as Chief Master Sergeant. "Click" here to see event photos.

Dave M. Kajihiro HPD 2006 Manager of the Year Promoted to Deputy Chief.

On Wednesday, June 1, 2011, Assistant Chief, Dave M. Kajihiro of the Honolulu Police Department was named one of two Deputy Chiefs promoted along with Major Marie A. McCauley, who has become the first female Deputy Chief in the Honolulu Police Department. Both were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo. Deputy Chief Kajihiro, a 27 year veteran with the department will be in charge of administration operations while Deputy Chief McCauley will will be in charge of field operations.

Deputy Chief Kajihiro's former assignments were in Patrol, Internal Affairs, Criminal Investigation, Narcotics-Vice, Records and Identification, and the Human Resources Division. He also served as District 3 Commander and recently as Assistant Chief of Support Services and Regional Patrol Bureaus. Deputy Chief Kajihiro has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from the University of Hawaii and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Deputy Chief McCauley came aboard in 1981 and has been in the Patrol Division most of her career, Detective in Forgery and Sex Crimes Details and in Internal Affairs. As a Major, she was assigned to the Communication Division. Deputy Chief McCauley has a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Boston State College.

Congratulations to both Deputy Chief Dave M. Kajihiro and Deputy Marie A. McCauley on their recent promotion. "Click" here to see more photos.