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Hawai‘i Police Department Partners With the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo For New Kalounui Internship Program

March 31, 2025 |
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Picture of Area I Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua talking to a group of UH-Hilo students about his duties as a CIS Detective.
Area I Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua talking to a group of UH-Hilo students about his duties as a CIS Detective.

On Friday March 28, 2025, the Hawaii Police Department kicked off their Kalounui internship program with an event at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo.

The program looks to give college credits to students at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo for participating in four semesters of internships at the Hawai‘i Police Department over a four-year period. Students enrolled in the program will get a chance to intern in different divisions within the department, learning everything from patrol operations to information technology.

Each internship is four months long and can be applied towards a bachelor’s degree at the university. The first class of internships is expected to start with the Fall 2025 semester.

“We are very excited to partner with the University of Hawai‘i,” said Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz. “This program furthers the departments’ goal of forming partnerships within the community that can cultivate the next generation of leaders on Hawai‘i Island and within our department.”

Picture (left) Area I CIS Evidence Specialist Keala Watson and (right) Criminalist Haylee Roush of HPD’s Crime Lab discussing the work they do at Hawai‘i Police Department.
Picture (left) Area I CIS Evidence Specialist Keala Watson and (right) Criminalist Haylee Roush of HPD’s Crime Lab discussing the work they do at Hawai‘i Police Department.

The name Kalounui represents the great and numerous links we hope the program will create between the community and the department. Ka Lou, to link or hook together and Nui meaning large or great.

For more information, please contact Captain Levon Stevens at (808) 961-2247 or via email at levon.stevens@hawaiicounty.gov. Interested students at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo can also contact Katie Young at Youngkat@hawaii.edu.

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