Police leaders sworn in

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WAILUKU - Police Chief Gary Yabuta pledged to reduce crime and curtail drug and gang activity in "challenging times," as he was sworn in Thursday as the ninth police chief in Maui County history.

Family, friends and fellow police officers filled the lounge area of the chief's office at the Wailuku Police Station for the ceremony.

Clayton Tom, a 27-year police veteran who had been assistant chief for support services, was sworn in as deputy chief.

"Whether in public, private or the business sector, we are coping during these trying times," Yabuta said. "Yet public service must continue to operate in a productive and creative manner; otherwise, our spirit will be lost and our community will dearly suffer."

Yabuta thanked Maui Police Department officers and employees "who have dedicated themselves to selfless service during years when they could have been compensated much more elsewhere."

The 27-year police veteran outlined goals, including budget management "while providing essential and extraordinary service for Maui County."

"We will reduce crime through strategic and effective investigative practices," he said.

Yabuta, who had been deputy chief, was selected in May by the Maui County Police Commission to replace Tom Phillips, who retired after more than 30 years with the department.