HONOLULU — The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) will celebrate 32 graduates from its 219th recruit class on Friday, May 1, 2026, including 30 men and two women.
The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at the M. M. Scott Auditorium at McKinley High School and will be livestreamed on HPD’s YouTube channel.
“Every graduating class is a result of months of discipline, perseverance and growth,” said Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic. “Reaching this milestone demonstrates their commitment to serving our community and their understanding of the honor and responsibility that comes with wearing the badge. We’re proud to see these men and women step forward ready to serve with integrity and purpose.”
As the 219th class prepares to move on, HPD’s 221st recruit class began training on April 20 at the Ke Kula Makaʻi Academy. The 221st class has 44 recruits, including 35 men and nine women. The class is scheduled to graduate in October 2026.
After graduating from Ke Kula Makaʻi, recruits are paired with veteran officers across Oʻahu in the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). After successfully completing FTEP, recruits will be assigned to the 4th Watch for foot patrol in Waikīkī and Downtown Honolulu, as well as other special assignments.
“Our recruitment efforts are helping build a strong pipeline of qualified candidates, and we’re continuing to see positive momentum,” said Maj. Matthew Kurihara, head of HPD’s Human Resources Division. “It’s encouraging to see more individuals answering the call to serve, and we’re proud to welcome those who are committed to protecting our community.”
Since 2024, HPD has expanded recruitment efforts by broadening 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 on police recruitment or to apply, visit JoinHonoluluPD.org.