Honolulu Police Academy Class Sets Record for Female Recruits
The department's 223rd class includes 16 women, breaking the previous mark of 15 as HPD joins a national diversity initiative.
By Amina Yusuf ·
Sixteen women are enrolled in the Honolulu Police Department's current recruit class, a number that breaks the previous departmental record of 15. Major Andre Peters announced the figure during a public statement on the night of November 6, 2026. This cohort is the 223rd in the department's history.
The new enrollment comes on the heels of a strategic shift for the agency. HPD recently became the first county police department in Hawaiʻi to join the 30×30 Pledge. This national initiative aims to improve the representation, experience, and well-being of women in law enforcement. The department now has 14% sworn female officers, a figure that exceeds the national average of approximately 12% for state and local agencies, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Chief David Lazar framed the new class as a continuation of existing trends within the agency. "We have outstanding women serving and leading throughout the department, and we're committed to building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for women to succeed at HPD," Lazar said. He noted that the department is focused on sustaining this growth through better career pathways.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi addressed the new recruits directly, praising their decision to enter the field. "I could not be more proud of these 16 women who have stepped forward to serve our community," Blangiardi said. He added that their commitment reflects a strong character and sets an example for future generations of female officers.
Human resources officials view the class size as evidence of successful outreach. Major Matthew Kurihara, who leads the HPD Human Resources Division, stated that the department wants more women to see law enforcement as a career where they can make a difference in their communities. "This shows we're moving in the right direction, and we hope to see that interest continue to grow," Kurihara said.
The 223rd recruit class is scheduled to complete its training and graduate in May 2027.
