Maui Police Department/Facebook
The first Tongan police chief in the state of Hawaii and first Tongan police officer with the Maui Police Department has retired from the department after 36 years, officials said.
Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu, who is also part Samoan, grew up in Tonga and joined the department in August 1985, The Maui News reported Saturday. He served as police chief for seven years.
“He’s fulfilled everything we asked him to do, plus much more,” said Roger Dixon, who was chairman of the Maui Police Commission that unanimously selected Faaumu as chief in 2014. “The chief has made solid appointments in the department and is leaving a stronger, and more responsive police department.”
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
WAILUKU While the Maui Police Commission will seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or other higher education in selecting the next police chief, a four-year college degree won’t be a requirement to apply for the job.
“We’re seeking that requirement, but it’s not necessary,” Chairman Frank De Rego said as the commission discussed the hiring of a new police chief at its meeting Wednesday.
The new chief would replace Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu, who is retiring May 1 after more than 35 years with the Maui Police Department.
The five commissioners who attended the meeting by videoconference Wednesday voted to adopt minimum requirements set by the County Charter for the police chief job. Those requirements include being a U.S. citizen and having five years of experience in law enforcement, including at least three years in an administrative capacity.
Maui police chief set to retire in May | News, Sports, Jobs mauinews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mauinews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photos
The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photos
The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photos
First photo: Graduates pose with (from left) 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill, Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu, Mayor Michael Victorino and 2nd Circuit Chief Judge Richard Bissen (far right) after the 73rd Maui Drug Court graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon. The graduates, who completed the program of intensive treatment and supervision, are (from left next to Victorino) Ikaika Vierra, Randal Rodrigues, Dennis Rieta, Ka’ipo Vida, Shane Carey, Dylan Kepa and Emmanuel Dickson.
Second photo: Graduates Randal Rodrigues (right) and Shane Carey are congratulated by friends and family members after the 73rd Maui Drug Court graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon in the courtroom of 2nd Circuit Chief Judge Richard Bissen, who serves as the Drug Court judge. Seven defendants had criminal charges dismissed or periods of probation ended early when they successfully completed the progr