Fallen Hawai‘i Officer Honored on House Floor

US Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi today spoke on the House floor honoring the service and sacrifice of Hawai‘i County Police Officer Bronson Kaliloa, who was killed in the line of duty after being shot during a traffic stop on Tuesday night.

*Video below courtesy C-SPAN via US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said:

“I rise today to honor the life of Hawai‘i County Police Officer Bronson Kaliloa, who died yesterday after being fatally shot Tuesday night during a traffic stop in Mountain View.

“Bronson was just 46 years old, a father of three, a graduate of Waimea High School on Kauaʻi, a 10 year veteran of the police force, and a public servant recognized by his community, fellow officers, and family and friends as one of a kind because of his dedication to service, his kindness, and his heart of aloha. He was part of the Puna Patrol Division who over the last few months have been working around the clock to support their community in crisis due to ongoing volcanic activity and lava flow, helping residents who have been displaced from their homes, businesses, and farms.

“We mourn with the community of Puna, the Hawai‘i police department, and Bronson’s ‘ohana that he left behind, Casey, Samson, Grace, and Nathan. We can never forget the sacrifices our law enforcement officers and their families make every day to serve and protect.”

Governor David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, until sunset on Friday, July 20. This action is taken to honor Officer Kaliloa.

“Our entire state mourns the loss of Officer Kaliloa, a man who dedicated his life to his family and his community. He sacrificed all to protect the community he loved. Dawn and I send our deepest condolences to his ‘ohana,” Gov. Ige said.

The governor has also ordered that the flags be lowered on the day of Officer Kaliloa’s memorial service. Another flag notice will be issued when memorial plans are finalized.