David S. Lazar
Honolulu Police Department
David Lazar is the 13th Chief of Police of the Honolulu Police Department, bringing more than 33 years of law enforcement experience including 24 years in combined police management and executive roles. During this time, Lazar implemented modernized policing practices, strengthened organizational culture, demonstrated a strong commitment to community trust and partnerships, constitutional policing, and operational excellence.
As Chief of Police, Lazar is dedicated to supporting the men and women of HPD in their work, by making member wellness a priority and recruiting to full staffing levels. In addition, Lazar’s plans include strengthening public trust, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, transparency, service, and above all, integrity. He believes effective policing is built on data driven crime reduction strategies, strong relationships built on trust and mutual respect, and a shared commitment to keeping communities safe.
Raised in San Francisco, Lazar’s connection to law enforcement began early. His mother served as a police dispatcher, and as a teenager he participated in the Police Activities League (PAL), where he developed an appreciation for the positive impact law enforcement can have on young people and neighborhoods.
Lazar joined the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) in 1991 and spent his early career serving in some of the city’s most diverse and challenging communities, including the Tenderloin and Chinatown. Those experiences helped shape his belief that successful policing requires both operational excellence and genuine community engagement.
Over the course of his career, Lazar rose through the ranks to become Assistant Chief of Operations, overseeing a substantial portion of daily operations for one of the nation’s largest municipal police departments. In that role, he led efforts focused on crime reduction, technology modernization, operational efficiency and public trust. During his tenure, San Francisco achieved significant public safety gains, including historically low homicide rates and substantial reductions in property crime.
Lazar is also recognized for advancing modern policing strategies and community-focused initiatives. He helped establish San Francisco’s first Real Time Investigations Center and championed the department’s first Community Engagement Division and Community Policing Plan. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with residents, businesses, faith leaders, youth organizations and community stakeholders to build partnerships and strengthen trust.
Colleagues describe Lazar as a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who values accountability, innovation and service. His leadership philosophy centers on listening, building relationships and working alongside communities to address complex public safety challenges.
Lazar’s connection to Hawaiʻi extends beyond his appointment as Chief of Police. His wife of 32 years, Julie, served in the San Francisco Police Department for 25 years, retiring as a Police Inspector. They have three children. Julie has strong family ties to the islands through her mother, who was born in Halawa Housing in Honolulu. Their extended ʻohana live throughout Oʻahu, and the family has maintained close connections to Hawaiʻi over the years.
In June 2026, Lazar and Julie made Oʻahu their home as he assumed leadership of the Honolulu Police Department. Together with their family, they look forward to serving and becoming part of the community they are proud to call home.