Hawaii Police Launch 'Talk Story with the Chief' Community Sessions

New monthly meetings aim to strengthen communication between police and residents across Hawaii Island.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Hawaii Police Department is launching a new series of informal 'Talk Story with the Chief' sessions to provide residents an opportunity to meet directly with Chief Reed Mahuna and district commanders. These monthly meetings will rotate throughout Hawaii Island, allowing community members to share concerns, ask questions, and discuss public safety issues in an open, conversational setting.

Why it matters

Community engagement is a key component of effective policing, and these sessions reflect the department's commitment to increasing outreach and building stronger relationships with the people they serve. By hearing directly from residents, the police can better understand local priorities and work together to address the issues that matter most to the community.

The details

The first 'Talk Story with the Chief' session will be held on Tuesday, February 17th from 1-2 pm at the Waimea Civic Center Conference Room. Future meeting dates and locations will be announced as they are scheduled. The informal format is intended to make the sessions accessible and encourage genuine conversation between the police and community members.

  • The first 'Talk Story with the Chief' session will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 1-2 pm.

The players

Reed Mahuna

Chief of the Hawaii Police Department, who is launching the new community engagement series.

Hawaii Police Department

The law enforcement agency hosting the 'Talk Story with the Chief' sessions to strengthen communication and build relationships with residents across Hawaii Island.

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What they’re saying

“Community engagement is a cornerstone of effective policing, and I am committed to increasing our department's outreach efforts. These talk story sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and build stronger relationships with the people we serve.”

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

“We want to meet people where they are, in their own communities, and create space for genuine conversation. By hearing directly from our residents, we can better understand their priorities and work together to address the issues that matter most.”

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

What’s next

Future meeting dates and locations for the 'Talk Story with the Chief' sessions will be announced as they are scheduled.

The takeaway

These new community engagement sessions demonstrate the Hawaii Police Department's commitment to strengthening communication and building trust with residents across Hawaii Island. By providing an open forum for dialogue, the department aims to better understand local priorities and work collaboratively to address public safety concerns.