Cadets Graduate from First-Ever Program

By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor

Photo courtesy of Keani Rawlins-Fernandez.

The first ever Molokai Youth Cadets Program graduated 12 cadets last Saturday, after they spent three weeks exploring law enforcement careers, training and learning skills that will serve them the rest of their lives. 

“It was inspiring to hear about discipline, endurance, and fortitude exhibited by the cadets throughout the rigors of the program,” said Molokai Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez.

“Pushing themselves through those challenges strengthened them physically and mentally, and with that, strengthens our community.”

The Maui Police Department says the program, provided at no cost to the students aged 14 to 18, is designed to broaden their understanding of a career in law enforcement. Their training included crime scene investigations, fitness training, drills and ceremonies, leadership skills, report writing and CPR certification. Students heard presentations from agencies including the Maui Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Department of Land and Natural Resources, National Parks, and more. 

“You pioneers have started a trend for our community, integrating the variety of career pathways available on-island — from being a police officer, to DoCARE officer, to lifeguard, to fire fighter, to EMT — and I cannot wait to support the continuation of this program,” said Rawlins-Fernandez. 

She thanked Officer Caparida, Officer Mossman, Officer Welch, Officer Abafo, Officer Hubbard, and Acting Captain Winfrey, and the family and community members that started and supported this program.

Photo courtesy of Keani Rawlins-Fernandez.