Police Commission Selects Reed Mahuna as Hawaiʻi County Chief Pending Background Check

The Hawaiʻi County Police Commission voted to select Reed Mahuna as the county’s next police chief, offering the post conditionally while a required background investigation is completed and reviewed at the commission’s next meeting in February. The decision provides continuity at the top of the Hawaiʻi Police Department after Mahuna served as interim chief since September 2025.

Commissioners interviewed eight finalists in open session at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center in Kailua-Kona after a multi-stage vetting process that began with 27 applicants who met minimum qualifications. Twenty-two candidates returned written questionnaires, commissioners scored those responses individually, 11 were invited to interviews and eight responded by the Jan. 20 deadline to be interviewed in person. Meetings spanned multiple days and two candidates withdrew before the final recommendation.

Available accounts place the commission’s final vote at 9–1 in favor, though other reporting referenced that seven members recommended Mahuna; the commission’s official minutes should be consulted to confirm the precise tally. Vice chair Wendy Botelho said she weighed input from supporters across administrative ranks and the union, saying, “I heard everything.” Commission chair Greg Yamada registered dissent, saying Mahuna was not his clear choice.

The appointment is conditional because the Hawaiʻi Police Department conducts background investigations for chief candidates. To avoid a conflict of interest, Mahuna was removed from the investigative process and Assistant Chief Sherry Bird will oversee the check. The commission will review the investigation results at its February meeting before confirming any permanent appointment.

Mahuna is described in recent accounts as a nearly 28-year HPD veteran. He was sworn in as deputy police chief in January 2024 and served in roles including police major in Technical Services and Area I operations, and captain in Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Divisions. He began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer and detective in Area I and Area II, later serving as lieutenant in Puna and in vice units, and as captain in multiple districts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Lindenwood University and was born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island; he is the son of retired Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna, who led the department from 2002 to 2008.

Labor and municipal leaders signaled support. The State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers issued a statement congratulating Mahuna and said his local experience would help modernize the department while improving workplace morale. Mayor Kimo Alameda thanked the commission “for following a diligent and thoughtful process,” and said Mahuna’s experience and working relationships across departments set him apart. Mahuna called the selection “a very humbling experience” and pledged not to take the trust placed in him for granted.

For Big Island residents, the immediate implications are managerial continuity and a pending administrative review that will determine whether Mahuna is confirmed. Citizens seeking information or to submit comment may contact the Hawaiʻi Police Department Office of the Chief at (808) 961-2244, the non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311, or visit HPD headquarters at 349 Kapiʻolani Street, Hilo. The commission’s February meeting agenda and official vote record will clarify next steps and the timeline for a formal swearing-in if the background check is cleared.