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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.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hawai'i County Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Kenneth is one of 32 officers killed feloniously in HI, 49.2% of the 65 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1997, 1 officer in HI was killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1963, with 2.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kenneth was 35. Of the 31 killed feloniously in HI whose age is recorded, half were between 32.5 and 47; the middle age was 40. Kenneth had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kenneth was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kenneth was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Kenneth had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 6.3% of these deaths in HI; November holds the most, 12.5%. Thursdays: 15.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Hawai'i County Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 49.2% of all 65 deaths in HI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 9.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Hawai'i County Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Kenneth among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hawai'i County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
