The Hawai'i Police Department and the University of Hawai'i-Hilo have joined forces to launch the Kalounui Internship Program, a new initiative offering college credits to students through a series of internships within the police department. The partnership was announced last Friday, and police officials and university representatives unveiled the details.
Starting with the Fall 2025 semester, University of Hawai'i-Hilo students have the opportunity to intern across various divisions, including patrol operations and information technology. The program spans four semesters over four years, with each internship lasting four months. The credits earned can contribute toward a bachelor's degree—an academic integration not often seen in law enforcement training. "This program furthers the departments' goal of forming partnerships within the community that can cultivate the next generation of leaders on Hawai‘i Island and within our department," said Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz, as reported on Hawaii Police Department.
The name Kalounui, according to the Hawaii Police Department, is symbolic of the robust connections they hope to forge between the community and the police force. The term combines Hawaiian words reflecting linkage and greatness. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Katie Young from the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo or Captain Levon Stevens of the Hawaii Police Department for more information on the program.
