PHOTOS: Maui Police Chief and Deputy Officially Sworn In

November 3, 2014, 2:11 PM HST
* Updated November 4, 2:13 PM

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By Wendy Osher

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu and newly selected Deputy Chief Dean Rickard were officially sworn in to their respective posts today during a ceremony held at the Kīhei police station in South Maui. The Honorable Judge Richard Bissen Jr. administered the Oath of Office for both individuals while Father Gary Colton conducted the invocation for the event.

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Chief Faaumu was unanimously named the new police chief on September 5, 2014, following a three month selection process conducted by the Maui Police Commission.

Faaumu is a 29 year veteran of the Maui Police Department, starting his career in 1985. His deputy chief, Dean Rickard is a 27 year veteran of the department.

Maui Police Commission Chair Richard Dixon said Faaumu spoke of his passion for open, clear and inclusive communication with the entire community, as well as with the sworn and civilian members of the Maui Police Department. “He immediately launched his communication initiative, and all indications are his efforts have been noted and applauded,” said Dixon.

Maui Police Department Swearing-in Ceremonies for Chief Tivoli Taaumu and Deputy Chief Dean Rickard. Photos by Wendy Osher.

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Dixon said Faaumu’s “rich history and humble demeanor, wisdom and patience are exactly what is needed to lead the Maui Police Department now and in the future.” Dixon also praised Deputy Chief Rickard saying, he “exemplifies community and has shown during his lengthy career his extreme involvement with the Maui community.”

Chief Faaumu called it a “memorable day,” saying he is grateful for the service and dedication of the Police commission who empowered him to “make the daily life of the people of Maui better.”

“Change will come whether one will like it or not. The question is, how will we respond to the inevitable change,” said Faaumu.

In a public address Chief Faaumu pointed toward three fundamentals of policing saying it is the responsibility of the Department to prevent crime and disorder, and reduce the level of fear in the community. “My leadership style involves open and honest communication with the staff, community members, and government leaders. In my humble opinion, this helps all entities to build trust (and) transparency between internal and external customers; and to create a positive transformation of fulfilling the Maui Police Department’s mission (of) integrity, compassion, fairness, and service.”

Faaumu continued saying, “The continued success of the Maui Police Department depends on responding to community concerns and issues to gain the public’s trust. To accomplish our mission, we will embrace a community based problem-oriented, data-driven strategy that focuses on the integrity, geographic accountability, and problem solving techniques, identifying areas of concern in the community; and to hold ourselves accountable to each other and to our community.”

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In addressing his colleagues, family and friend, Deputy Chief Rickard said he is “truly honored and humbled,” to have been selected for the post. “Being born and raised here on Maui, I take special pride having served my entire law enforcement career with the Maui Police Department.”

“I always thought of myself as being a patrol officer, and now I hope that every Maui Police officer can see a path in their professional career that could lead them down this same road,” he said.

“We all know that it is the talented men and women working for the Maui Police Department, who have ultimately provided Chief Faaumu and myself the opportunity and privilege to lead them,” said Rickard.

“Policing has changed in my 27 years, but what I enjoy most about the men and women of the Maui Police Department is our never give up attitude. Everyday we look for a better way to do what we do, never sitting on our laurels, being only as good as our last call for service, and always striving for that next level of excellence,” said Rickard.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa congratulated both individuals saying they have a lot of work ahead of them. “It’s 24-hours a day. There is no getting away from the responsibility, no matter where you are.”

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“I know that these two gentlemen… have been able to get to this position because they have a record of being caring; because they have a record of being conscientious; because we know that the commission knows that they are fully capable of doing this job. It’s with every confidence that I congratulate both Chief and Deputy on your swearing in ceremonies,” said Mayor Arakawa.

“We already have spent many hours talking story about different things. We were able to go through a hurricane; we were able to go through a lot of community turmoil because of the election process that’s going on. So I know that cool minds will prevail no matter what the circumstance is; and I know this community will be very, very well protected because of the leadership of the Police Department.”

“At the end of the day, I know and have every confidence that this community will be very well protected because they are in charge,” said Mayor Arakawa.

***Check back for exclusive video from today’s event, which will be posted shortly.