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Quite a few Hawaiian words and themes were expressed during Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony for new Maui Police Department Chief John Pelletier and Deputy Chief Charles Hank III.
Maui Police Commission Chairperson Frank De Rego spoke at length about the importance of aloha and how it is codified into Hawaii law. Maui County Council Chairperson Alice Lee reminded Pelletier and Hank of the family culture of ohana that honors the tradition of helping and caring for each other. Pelletier promised to build lokahi -- unity and harmony -- between MPD and the community.
We wish Pelletier and Hank the best of luck in their new jobs. Their success as leaders can only benefit the county and its people. As outsiders newly arrived from Las Vegas, they bring unique perspectives to the department, its procedures and personnel. The Maui Police Commission cast so far afield for a replacement for retired Chief Tivoli Faaumu, it is fair to assume Pelletier and his handpicked deputy are here to institute changes as they settle in. Whether those changes are wholesale or incremental remains to be seen.
Will their commitment to creating unity and harmony extend to their short-staffed police department? Or do they plan to really shake things up? Either way, we suggest they remember they are on an island with a unique blend of cultures and history. They will find it helpful to limit the number of times they say things like, "Where I come from we did it better." That is an excellent way to have people in Hawaii tune you out. It also ignores the possibility that there may be legitimate reasons why things are done differently here.
No business or organization of any size is immune to politics and faction building among the staff. Police departments are certainly included. Officers who rise through the ranks usually do so with the help and support of like-minded peers and superiors. This forms a base they know they can trust and rely upon. Favors are owed and favors are accrued.
Pelletier and Hank begin work at MPD without that support system or those potential burdens. Again, it only benefits this island if they can succeed in building bridges within the department.
It is challenging enough to fit in as a newcomer in Hawaii. Proven techniques like keeping quiet and listening, deferring to local custom until you have a better lay of the land, may not be possible for the heads of a police force that covers three islands and employs more than 400 people.
As they navigate their way, there is another Hawaiian concept Pelletier and Hank can use as a guide. Be pono, do what is right. Being pono is not always easy or expeditious, but it is a proven way of earning the respect and loyalty of others.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.