Following the signing of their memorandum of understanding leaders from the Hawaii Police Department and U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa posed for a group photo. From left: Pohakuloa Police Sgt. Paul K. Imaizumi, Command Sgt. Maj. Alan D. Higgs, HPD Chief Harry S. Kubojiri, Pohakuloa commander Lt. Col. Eric P. Shwedo, Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira and Lt. Thomas Shopay. (Photo courtesy of Bob McElroy | U.S. Army)

Bob McElroy | USAG Pohakuloa Public Affairs

U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa and the Hawaii Police Department signed a memorandum Oct. 31 that creates training opportunities for both organizations and enhances their already-solid professional relationship.

The memorandum of understanding allows HPD officers to use the classrooms, firing ranges and training facilities here and opens opportunities for Pohakuloa’s Department of the Army Police to train with their colleagues at HPD.

USAG-Pohakuloa commander Lt. Col. Eric P. Shwedo said he is excited about the new agreement and happy to host HPD officers for training.

“As part of the Big Island community, it only makes sense that HPD uses the ranges at Pohakuloa Training Area. The police officers have an important and sometimes dangerous job, supporting their training is important to us,” Shwedo said. “I am excited that they will be using these facilities, we hope to continue to foster a good relationship with HPD and the rest of the Big Island.”

Pohakuloa has a number of firing ranges that police can use to qualify on their individual weapons— pistol, rifle and shotgun.

Police officers can also use the shoot house to practice room clearing techniques while firing live ammunition.

Police Chief Harry S. Kubojiri said he was grateful for the opportunity to train at Pohakuloa.

“The Hawaii Police Department is very appreciative of Lt. Col. Shwedo’s generosity in opening up the Pohakuloa facilities to our officers for training purposes,” Kubojiri said. “We look forward to this partnership.”

USAG-Pohakuloa Police Sgt. Paul Imaizumi said the agreement opens multiple training opportunities to his officers.

Imaizumi said Pohakuloa police officers will attend classes with HPD in Hilo. Some of the classes include: radar-Lidar, arrest control techniques, verbal judo, active shooter and more.