Hawaii's New Police Chief Outlines Priorities for Department

Reed Mahuna, son of former chief, focuses on community engagement and embracing new technology

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Reed Mahuna, the new police chief of Hawaii County, discussed his approach to policing and priorities for the department in a recent interview. Mahuna, the son of a former police chief, said his top priorities include improving community engagement and embracing new technology to keep officers in the field. He also addressed challenges around staffing and recruitment, as well as the department's relationship with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Why it matters

As the new leader of Hawaii County's police force, Mahuna's vision and priorities will shape the department's approach to public safety and community relations. His focus on community engagement and leveraging technology could have a significant impact on policing in the region, while his stance on issues like cannabis legalization and immigration enforcement reflect broader debates happening across the country.

The details

Mahuna, 49, joined the Hawaii Police Department in 1998 and has served in various command roles, including as deputy chief. He said his goal is to have officers more present and responsive in the community, rather than just reacting to incidents. Mahuna also wants to implement new field-based reporting technology to keep officers out on patrol. The department is currently short-staffed by about 15%, and Mahuna plans to make recruitment a top priority, including hiring dedicated full-time recruiters and consulting on the department's recruitment process.

  • Mahuna joined the Hawaii Police Department in 1998.
  • Mahuna's father, Lawrence Mahuna, served as police chief for six years.
  • Mahuna was sworn in as the new police chief in early 2026.

The players

Reed Mahuna

The new police chief of Hawaii County, who joined the department in 1998 and has served in various command roles.

Lawrence Mahuna

Reed Mahuna's father, who previously served as the police chief of Hawaii County for six years.

Mapuana Mahuna

Reed Mahuna's wife, who is a science teacher at Waiakea Intermediate School.

Marion Mahuna

Reed and Mapuana Mahuna's daughter, who is a sophomore art major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Connor Mahuna

Reed and Mapuana Mahuna's son, who is a senior at Waiakea High School.

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What they’re saying

“Real community engagement, getting out there in the community, meeting with people, is the only way we can be responsive to the needs of the community. And if we don't know what their needs are, then we're just reacting to things instead of preventing them.”

— Reed Mahuna, Police Chief, Hawaii County Police Department (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“If what you want is making the community better, if what you want is being on the front line of improving other people's lives, in my opinion there is nothing better than being a police officer.”

— Reed Mahuna, Police Chief, Hawaii County Police Department (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

What’s next

Mahuna plans to hire dedicated full-time recruiters and conduct an audit of the department's recruitment process in an effort to address staffing challenges and improve officer recruitment.

The takeaway

As the new police chief, Mahuna's focus on community engagement, embracing technology, and addressing staffing issues reflects a desire to modernize the Hawaii County Police Department and build stronger ties with the local community. His stance on issues like cannabis legalization and immigration enforcement also highlight the complex and evolving role of law enforcement in the state.