Hawai‘i Police Department Announces New Partnership with UH-Hilo to Support Officers in Earning Administration of Justice Degree

HPD Acting Chief Reed Mahuna, UH Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, Mayor Kimo Alameda.

UHH HPD MOU signing group photo.

HPD Acting Chief Reed Mahuna speaking at cohort orientation.

The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UH Hilo) that will make it easier for law enforcement officers across the state to further their education and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice.

Launching this fall, the Administration of Justice Cohort Program provides a streamlined pathway for officers to complete their degrees through UH Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences. Courses will be offered entirely online, enabling officers to continue serving their communities full-time while advancing their education alongside a dedicated cohort of fellow law enforcement professionals.

“This program offers our officers the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, strengthen their professional skills, and expand their perspectives, all of which contribute to better service for our communities,” said Acting Hawai‘i Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “A well-educated officer is a better-prepared officer, and this partnership helps make that possible.”

The inaugural cohort already includes 10 students representing the Hawai‘i Police Department, Honolulu Police Department, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DLNR DOCARE). The program is open to officers statewide, and applications are still being accepted. The deadline for Fall 2025 enrollment is August 15. Applications for Spring 2026 are due December 1.

Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda praised the initiative, noting its broad benefits. “Every police officer who earns a higher education degree not only improves their own quality of life and self-esteem but also strengthens their family and our community as a whole,” he said.

UH Hilo’s Administration of Justice program, the only standalone bachelor’s degree in AJ in the University of Hawai‘i system, is designed to build upon officers’ existing skills and provide a deeper understanding of the legal system, criminal justice processes, and community relations.

“It’s the first of what I hope will be many workforce partnerships here on Hawaiʻi Island with the county and various sectors of our economy,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, who met with students during orientation Saturday morning. “We know that you’re ready, and we’re going to give you at UH Hilo all the support you need to be successful students and then soon graduates of this program.”

HPD Officer Ryan Barrett, a member of the inaugural cohort, said, “As a patrol officer, there are times I need to know the best approach or the most up-to-date case law. This degree will help me better equip myself to serve the community effectively.”

This partnership reflects HPD’s ongoing commitment to professional development, officer wellness, and community service. By working closely with UH Hilo, HPD is ensuring that officers have access to the tools, resources, and education they need to meet the evolving demands of modern policing.

Application Information:
To apply or learn more, contact Katherine Young, PhD, Department Chair for Administration of Justice, at youngkat@hawaii.edu.