Hawai‘i Police Department’s 104th Recruit Class Graduates
The Hawai‘i Police Department welcomed 13 new officers following the 104th Police Recruit Class recognition ceremony held Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. During the ceremony, each officer had their badge pinned on by a loved one. Attendance was limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members.
The 104th Police Recruit Class began training on August 1, 2025. After six-and-a-half months of academic instruction, which concluded on February 15, 2026, recruits completed three-and-a-half months of field training under the guidance of veteran officers across various districts.
The class included Officer Breeze Abadilla (class secretary), Officer Czar Alfred Agustin, Officer Cassius Aiwohi-Kegler (class vice president), Officer Trenten Blomgren, Officer Travis Carvalho, Officer Bernard Flowers, Officer Marquis Hall, Officer Kaelin Himphill, Officer Vaea Iona, Officer Pa‘akaula Kalawai`anui (class president), Officer Kaizen Kapuni-Lankford, Officer Karl Nickel, and Officer Michael Rabara (class treasurer).
Class president Officer Pa‘akaula Kalawai‘anui addressed the class, families, and guests during the ceremony saying, “to the community we are about to serve, we are ready. We are 13 different stories that have become one, and we bring all of it. Every background, every experience, every ounce of heart we have, to this work. We do not take lightly the trust you place in us, and we intend to honor it every single day.”
Special recognition was also given to recruits who excelled during academic training. Officer Breeze Abadilla received the Academic Award, which is presented to the recruit who achieves the highest overall average on weekly examinations throughout the police academy. Officer Pa‘akaula Kalawai‘anui received the Firearms Award for demonstrating the highest level of performance and proficiency. Officer Michael Rabara was awarded the Physical Fitness Award for excelling in and maintaining conditioning throughout training. Officer Cassius Aiwohi-Kegler was awarded the most outstanding recruit award for performing in the upper ten percent academically and physically, and was an inspirational example for his fellow officers.
Members of the 104th Police Recruit Class have been assigned their solo assignments in the districts of Kona, Ka‘u, and North Kohala starting on June 1, 2026.
