Reed Mahuna has been offered the position of Hawai‘i County police chief following a nationwide search and strong public support, the Hawai‘i County Police Commission announced Friday. His appointment is contingent on standard screening procedures and his acceptance of the position. The commission said it will set Mahuna’s official start date at its next meeting next month, once all conditions have been satisfied.
The position carries a salary of $228,972, according to the Hawai‘i County Salary Commission.
After his selection was announced, Mahuna told the commission during Friday's meeting, "One of the things I say often is I'm not going to let you guys down. I won't let any of you down."
Council Chair Holeka Inaba congratulated Mahuna, telling Aloha State Daily, “I congratulate Chief Reed Mahuna on his appointment and thank him for his continued service to Hawai‘i County.” Inaba also praised the commission’s selection and emphasized the importance of supporting officers, maintaining community trust and strengthening recruitment, retention and training.
Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada, speaking with ASD, also praised Mahuna, highlighting his leadership in community policing and downtown Hilo patrols. “I have high expectations of him as a leader, which include his protecting, serving, and standing with community and supporting all members of his department to do the same,” she said. Kagiwada added she looks forward to continuing a positive working relationship with Mahuna as chief.
Councilwoman Heather Kimball told ASD she is grateful for Mahuna’s willingness to serve Hawai‘i County in this role. She called him “responsive, thoughtful, and attentive to the public safety needs of our communities” and said she looks forward to working with him on challenges in District 1, including agricultural theft, domestic violence and substance abuse. Kimball added these issues require both strong enforcement and collaboration with community partners, and expressed hope that under Mahuna’s leadership, progress will continue in keeping communities safe and supported.
Councilman Dennis Onishi, speaking to ASD, congratulated the Police Commission for its work and thanked members for their service. He also praised Mahuna, saying he is confident the county will see the police department “engaging more with our residents of this island in a positive way.”
Mahuna, 49, has served as interim chief since Sept. 1, 2025. He became deputy chief on Jan. 16, 2024, after serving briefly as acting deputy chief starting in July 2023.
The search for a permanent chief began after the commission voted in July 2025 to accept Moszkowicz’s emailed resignation. Although Moszkowicz later sought to rescind his resignation, the commission declined and continued with the search.
He was chosen from eight finalists selected from a pool of 64 applicants, 27 of whom met minimum qualifications. Two finalists, Jennifer Krauss and John Matagi, withdrew their names after interviews concluded Thursday. Commission members said community input and Mahuna’s extensive experience within the department were key factors in the decision.
Mahuna has spent more than two decades with the Hawai‘i Police Department, holding leadership roles including major of Area I Operations and major of the Technical Services Division, overseeing criminal investigations, communications, records and traffic operations. He has also served as an officer, detective, lieutenant and captain across multiple districts and divisions.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Lindenwood University and associate degrees in liberal arts and administration of justice from Hawai‘i Community College.
Born and raised on the Big Island, Mahuna is the son of retired Hawai‘i Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna, who led the department from 2002 to 2008. His promotion reflects the department’s commitment to internal advancement and long-term dedication, commissioners said.
Looking ahead, Inaba told ASD he looks forward to working collaboratively with Mahuna to ensure the police department continues to meet the needs of Hawai‘i County’s communities.
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