HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Community leaders across Oahu are weighing in after the Honolulu Police Commission selected David Lazar as Honolulu’s next police chief Wednesday.

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SHOPO: ‘Ready to be an active partner’

In a statement, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) president Don Faumuina congratulated Lazar and said the police officers union looks forward to working with him “to address the challenges facing the Honolulu Police Department, including our retention crisis, aging infrastructure, and employee morale.”

“Above all else, SHOPO members want to see positive change and to see those changes happen soon,” Faumuina said.

Faumuina also thanked interim Chief Rade Vanic “for his willingness, once again, to lead our Department through this period of transition,” and said SHOPO appreciates being included in the selection process.

Faumuina’s remarks come after a union survey showed overwhelming support for finalist Mike Lambert, who received nearly 90% of the vote.

Mayor: ‘I look forward to working with him’

Blangiardi congratulated Lazar and thanked the police commission and its search firm.

“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to David Lazar, our new chief of police,” Blangiardi said. “David Lazar is our new chief. I look forward to working with him. Congratulations, David.”

Council chair: ‘High expectations’ for new chief

In a statement, Waters called Lazar’s selection “a meaningful moment” for HPD and Oahu, and thanked the police commission for moving “with urgency and care” through what he described as an expedited process.

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Waters said the council has “high expectations” for Lazar, including managing HPD’s $350 million-plus annual budget, filling officer and civilian vacancies, and ensuring the department remains accountable.

“I support the appointment of David Lazar and stand ready to partner with him on recruitment, officer support, public accountability, and community trust,” Waters said.

Rep. Kila ‘surprised and shocked’ by selection

State Rep. Darius Kila, D-Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Maili, said he was “surprised and shocked” by the commission’s decision after Lambert drew broad public support.

Kila said he publicly supported Lambert and worked closely with him, but acknowledged the commission has the authority to choose the chief.

“I think many across the island are feeling that same sentiment. There were several dozen testimony in support (of Lambert),” Kila said. “The new police chief is going to have to familiarize himself with local communities, the local concerns, and even the initiatives that many of us are trying to push across this island to make our communities that much safer.”

Kila said his priority now is building a working relationship with Lazar and pushing forward public safety efforts, including traffic legislation and enforcement, safety on the Waianae Coast, and implementing school resource officers.

Kila said, “I have my own concerns. I really want somebody to make sure that we can prioritize traffic safety and enforcement — that’s top of mind for my community, it’s top of mind for my legislative purview. And we gotta start now.”

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