Police Promotions Announced

Police Chief Reed Mahuna has announced four promotions within Hawai‘i Police Department, including two officers to the rank of assistant chief, one officer promoted to major, and one officer promoted to captain. The promotions took effect May 1, 2026. 

Assistant Chief Thomas Shopay III

Thomas Shopay III, a 26-year veteran of the department, was promoted from major to assistant chief and now commands the department’s Administrative Services Bureau, which oversees the Special Response Team, Administrative Services Division, and Technical Services Division.

Shopay most recently served as major of Area II (Kona) Operations and previously led the Technical Services Division. His previous assignments include serving as captain of the Area II Criminal Investigation Division, lieutenant of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section (CIS), lieutenant of Kona Patrol, lieutenant and sergeant of the Special Response Team, Area II Vice Section, and Kona Patrol.

In September 2014, Shopay graduated from the FBI National Academy, a prestigious 10-week program of professional study and physical training for US and international law enforcement leaders. In August 2012, he received the department’s Silver Medal of Valor for risking his safety while securing explosive ordnance discovered near an electrical plant.

Assistant Chief Rio Amon-Wilkins

Rio Amon-Wilkins, a 27-year veteran of the department, is promoted from captain to assistant chief, and now commands Area II Operations, encompassing west Hawai‘i from North Kohala to Kaʻū.

He most recently served as captain of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division, overseeing the Area I (Hilo) Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) and Juvenile Aid Section, plus the Crime Laboratory. Previous assignments include lieutenant roles in Area I CIS, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, and South Hilo Patrol. Additional assignments include serving as a sergeant/detective in both Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Sections, Accreditation, and the Office of Professional Standards, as well as a field training officer in the South Hilo District.

In 2022, Amon-Wilkins received the Haweo Award from County Council members for his outstanding leadership and was a nominee for Hawai‘i County Manager of the Year in 2023.

Major Roylen Valera

Roylen Valera,a 29-year veteran of the department, was promoted from captain to major and is now assigned to Area II Operations. He most recently served as captain of the South Kohala District. Previous assignments include serving in lieutenant roles in the Hāmākua District and Area II Juvenile Aid Section, detective in the Area II Criminal Investigation and Juvenile Aid Sections, sergeant of Kona Community Policing Section, and as a school resource officer and police officer in Hāmākua.

In December 2021, Valera graduated from the FBI National Academy. He was also honored as Officer of the Month by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i and received the Champion and Protector’s award from the East Hawaii Children’s Justice Center. In November 2025, he was recognized by the Hawai‘i State Senate and Hawai‘i County Council for his longstanding commitment to public safety and youth outreach.  

Captain Jeremy Scott Lewis

 Jeremy Scott Lewis,a 24-year-veteran of the department, was promoted from lieutenant to captain and now oversees the Area I Criminal Investigation Division, which includes the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Juvenile Aid Section, plus the Crime Laboratory.

Lewis most recently served as lieutenant of Kona Patrol with prior assignments as sergeant/detective in the Area II Vice, Criminal Investigation Section, and Kona Patrol, and police officer III in Area II Vice. He was also attached to the Special Response Team (SRT) from 2011 until 2023.

In March 2024, Captain Lewis graduated from the FBI National Academy. He was twice recognized as Officer of the Month by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee in January 2010 and April 2011, as well as Officer of the Year in 2011.

“These promotions reflect not only professional excellence, but a genuine commitment to our community and the values of kuleana and mālama that guide how we serve” said Police Chief Mahuna.  “I am proud of each of these leaders for the integrity, humility, and aloha they bring to their work every day.”