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Reed Mahuna Appointed Interim Police Chief for Hawaii County
11 months agoUS
Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna has been appointed as the interim police chief for the Hawaii Police Department, effective September 1, 2025. This appointment follows the departure of current chief Ben Moszkowicz and comes as the Hawaii County Police Commission begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Key Insights
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Reed Mahuna, a 28-year veteran of the force, will serve as interim police chief.
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The Hawaii County Police Commission appointed Mahuna during their monthly meeting on July 18, 2025.
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Mahuna expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving the community and supporting the officers of the Hawaii Police Department.
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Community members voiced concerns about the police department's collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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The commission will discuss the process for selecting a new police chief during its August 22 meeting.
Why this matters: The appointment of an interim police chief is a critical step in ensuring the continued leadership and stability of the Hawaii Police Department. Community concerns regarding collaboration with federal agencies highlight the importance of transparency and trust between law enforcement and the public.
In-Depth Analysis
Reed Mahuna's appointment as interim police chief comes at a time of transition for the Hawaii Police Department. Moszkowicz's resignation and subsequent bid for the Honolulu Police Department position raised questions about his commitment to the Big Island. Mahuna, who has served in various roles within the department, including Major of Area I Operations and Major of the Technical Services Division, brings a wealth of experience to the position.
The community's concerns regarding MOUs with ICE and HSI reflect a broader national debate about the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Testifiers emphasized the importance of a police chief who prioritizes the needs and safety of residents and fosters positive community relationships. They argued that collaboration with federal immigration agencies erodes trust within immigrant communities and discourages residents from seeking police protection when needed.
The Police Commission's decision to appoint an interim chief while focusing on the search for a permanent replacement reflects a desire to balance stability with a thorough and open selection process.
FAQs
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Q: When does Reed Mahuna's term as interim police chief begin?
September 1, 2025.
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Q: Why is the previous police chief leaving?
Ben Moszkowicz resigned to pursue a position as interim chief of the Honolulu Police Department.
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Q: What are the main concerns of the community regarding the police department?
Concerns primarily revolve around the department's collaboration with federal immigration agencies like ICE and HSI.
Key Takeaways
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Reed Mahuna is the new interim police chief for Hawaii County, starting September 1, 2025.
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The community is seeking a police chief who will prioritize local needs and limit collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
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The Police Commission is actively searching for a permanent police chief and will discuss the selection process further in August.
Discussion
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