Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Kenneth Keliipio was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by an off-duty officer on Volcano Highway, near Mamaki Street, in Hilo. He had just picked up a stranded motorist and was giving him a ride when the collision occurred. The citizen sustained only minor injuries. The 35-year-old officer who struck his car was arrested and charged with DUI and negligent homicide. He said it was raining heavily, when Officer Kellipio pulled out in front of him and he was unable to avoid hitting him. His blood alcohol level was 0.11. In 1999 he was convicted of DUI and third degree manslaughter and received probation for one year. Officer Keliipio had served with the Hawaii County Police Department for almost seven years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-HI-E8E29419- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer II Keliipio gave the Hawai'i County Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hilo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer II Keliipio.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer II Kenneth Kanani Keliipio is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In HI, 31 of 64 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.4% of this state's fallen. That is 5.8 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Hawai'i County Police Department, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Kenneth Kanani Keliipio's cause is highlighted.
How Kenneth Kanani Keliipio Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to probation
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kenneth Kanani Keliipio is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kenneth Kanani Keliipio was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hawai'i County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
