Committee approves MOU allowing UH–Hilo cohort program for Hawaii Police Department officers to earn bachelor's degrees
July 08, 2025 | Hawaii County, Hawaii
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The committee unanimously voted to forward Resolution 233 to the full council with a favorable recommendation after a presentation from the Hawaii Police Department and administration.
What the resolution does: Resolution 233 authorizes the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the University of Hawaii at Hilo to support a continued partnership enabling Hawaii Police Department personnel to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice cohort program offered by UH–Hilo. The program is designed as asynchronous coursework to accommodate officers’ schedules.
Why it matters: The program aims to increase educational opportunities and leadership preparation for law-enforcement personnel. Committee members asked how tuition and payment would be handled; Major Jeremy Evangelista of HPD’s Administrative Services Division said students would be responsible for tuition but reminded the committee that county employees may be eligible for the county’s tuition-reimbursement program.
Presentation and committee discussion
Major Jeremy Evangelista (Hawaii Police Department) described the cohort as an asynchronous bachelor’s-degree pathway intended to help prepare officers for leadership and advancement. The managing director and corporation counsel were present; no substantive legal objections were raised. Councilmember Kaguata and others expressed support and asked whether the county or the department would cover tuition costs; the department said student payment is expected but the tuition-reimbursement policy could be used.
Vote
A motion to approve Resolution 233 and forward it to full council with a favorable recommendation passed unanimously in committee; the clerk recorded nine members in favor. The committee noted the benefit to officer education and leadership development.
Provenance: Resolution introduction and presentation began at s=2221.99–e=2258.655 and the committee vote occurred at s=2449.965–e=2465.95.
What the resolution does: Resolution 233 authorizes the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the University of Hawaii at Hilo to support a continued partnership enabling Hawaii Police Department personnel to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice cohort program offered by UH–Hilo. The program is designed as asynchronous coursework to accommodate officers’ schedules.
Why it matters: The program aims to increase educational opportunities and leadership preparation for law-enforcement personnel. Committee members asked how tuition and payment would be handled; Major Jeremy Evangelista of HPD’s Administrative Services Division said students would be responsible for tuition but reminded the committee that county employees may be eligible for the county’s tuition-reimbursement program.
Presentation and committee discussion
Major Jeremy Evangelista (Hawaii Police Department) described the cohort as an asynchronous bachelor’s-degree pathway intended to help prepare officers for leadership and advancement. The managing director and corporation counsel were present; no substantive legal objections were raised. Councilmember Kaguata and others expressed support and asked whether the county or the department would cover tuition costs; the department said student payment is expected but the tuition-reimbursement policy could be used.
Vote
A motion to approve Resolution 233 and forward it to full council with a favorable recommendation passed unanimously in committee; the clerk recorded nine members in favor. The committee noted the benefit to officer education and leadership development.
Provenance: Resolution introduction and presentation began at s=2221.99–e=2258.655 and the committee vote occurred at s=2449.965–e=2465.95.
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