Chief Paul Ferreira was named to the Police Chief’s position by the Hawaii County Police Commission on December 8, 2016, assuming the role on December 30, 2016.  He chose Kenneth Bugado, Jr. as his Deputy Police Chief.  We were honored to have them introduce themselves to our Club.  The Police Chief and Deputy are honorary members of the RCHB.  We offered our club as a source of assistance.

 
After joining the Hawaii Police Department in July 1982 (35 years), Chief Ferreira worked as a patrol officer, detective and several positions in the Administrative Bureau, including Assistant Chief, where he oversaw the Administrative and Technical Services Divisions.  Puna was his first assignment, then Kona.  He served in criminal investigation as a detective.  In 1999, he moved to the administrative division in charge of training, and learned that there was much more to policing than patrolling on the streets.  During the last eight years, he served as the Deputy Police Chief. Chief Ferreira will strive to make our police force second to none in the State.
 
Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado Jr. joined the Hawaii Police Department in February 1989 (28 years).  During his career, he worked as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Intelligence Unit Detective, Lieutenant of the Accreditation Section and Captain of the Criminal Intelligence Unit and Office of Professional Standards.  ​Deputy Bugado's vision is keep Hawaii Island the safest place in the world.  
 
Chief Ferreira and Deputy Bugado responded to questions:
  • Cultural Differences.  Chief Ferreira explained how important it is for police officers to be trained to respond with aloha; this training includes multi-cultural awareness and sensitivity.  
  • Accountability.  The department is nationally accredited.  Accreditation includes a public session that allows people to testify. The accreditation assesses against 460 standards.  Re-accreditation occurs every 3 years.
  • Homelessness.  Homelessness is a community issue. The department is working with downtown associations.  The officers assist the homeless to connect with resources to help them get off the streets.  Improved lighting helps to deter squatting.
  • Firearms.  A few other countries do not carry firearms. Hawaii has one of strictest laws controlling firearms, especially concealed weapons in public. Offiicers carry a taser, mace, baton; firearm is a last resort. Air soft guns mimic real guns distinguished only by the orange symbol.  Sometimes the symbol is painted black. Would be nice if something more could be done to better distinguish air guns from real weapons. Texas is open-carry State; no one helped when officers were ambushed. Education is the most important if you are going to carry a weapon.
  • Three strikes out policy.  This policy has not been enforced.  Jails are crowded. Prisoners sent to Mainland prisons develop a gang mindset.