Hawai‘i Police Chief Launches New Monthly Informal Talk Story Sessions  

The Hawaiʻi Police Department is launching a new series of informal “Talk Story with the Chief” sessions aimed at strengthening communication and connection between police leadership and the community.

These monthly sessions will rotate throughout Hawaiʻi Island and provide residents an opportunity to meet directly with Chief Reed Mahuna and district commanders to share concerns, ask questions, and discuss public safety issues in an open, conversational setting.

The first session in the series will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Waimea Civic Center Conference Room, located at 67-5189 Kamamalu Street in Waimea.

“Community engagement is a cornerstone of effective policing, and I am committed to increasing our department’s outreach efforts,” Mahuna said. “These talk story sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and build stronger relationships with the people we serve. We want residents to feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas, because public safety is strongest when it is built on trust, communication, and partnership.”

Mahuna added that the informal format is intentional and reflects the department’s goal of being accessible and responsive to the community.

“We want to meet people where they are, in their own communities, and create space for genuine conversation,” he said. “By hearing directly from our residents, we can better understand their priorities and work together to address the issues that matter most.”

Future meeting dates and locations will be announced as they are scheduled. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.