HONOLULU – The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) will celebrate the graduation of its 218th recruit class and welcome the 220th, marking the third consecutive record-setting class.
The 218th class will graduate at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the Joseph Rider Farrington Community Auditorium. The class began with 36 recruits and is graduating with 27, including 22 men and five women. The ceremony can be viewed live via HPD’s YouTube page here.
“Each class that completes the program represents months of hard work and commitment,” said Interim Deputy Chief Aaron Takasaki-Young. “Completing the program shows their dedication and readiness to serve, and it reassures us that they understand the weight of the badge and the responsibility that comes with it.”
As the 218th class prepares to move on, HPD’s 220th recruit class will begin training Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the academy.
The 220th class has 49 recruits, including 43 men and six women, making it the largest class since the 219th. It is the third consecutive recruit class to set a record, reflecting continued recruitment growth. The class is scheduled to graduate in July 2026.
“Our recruitment initiatives are creating consistent pathways for qualified applicants, and we’re seeing an upward trend in recruitment as a result,” said Major Mathew Kurihara, head of HPD’s human resources division. “We’re encouraged by the growing number of recruits choosing to serve and protect our community.”
Since 2024, recruitment growth has been driven by expanded entry pathways, including HPD’s Police Services Officer program, formerly known as the cadet program; the SkillBridge program; the Pathways Internship program; and the City and County of Honolulu’s Po‘okela program, along with streamlined application processes and a more strategic recruitment approach.
For more information or to apply, visit JoinHonoluluPD.org.