Honolulu Taps Ex-San Francisco Assistant Chief as HPD’s First Outside Hire in 94 Years

The Honolulu Police Commission made history Monday when it selected David Lazar, a retired San Francisco Police Department assistant chief, to lead HPD as its 13th chief. The 5-2 vote marks the first time in the department’s 94-year history that an outsider has been chosen for the top job.

Lazar, who retired from SFPD in 2023 after a 27-year career, beat out four other finalists in a selection process that began last year following former Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan’s retirement. The decision comes at a critical time for HPD, which faces ongoing challenges with staffing shortages, community trust issues, and calls for reform.

“We needed fresh eyes and a different perspective,” said Police Commission Chair Sarah Mitchell during Monday’s meeting at Honolulu Hale. “Chief Lazar brings proven experience in modern policing practices and community engagement that we believe will serve Honolulu well.”

The selection wasn’t without controversy. Two commissioners voted against Lazar’s appointment, citing concerns about whether an outsider could effectively navigate Hawaii’s unique cultural landscape and understand the nuances of policing in the islands.

From Golden Gate to Diamond Head

During his tenure with SFPD, Lazar oversaw patrol operations, community policing initiatives, and technology modernization efforts. He led reforms following high-profile incidents and worked to rebuild community trust in areas where police-resident relations had deteriorated.

His experience includes managing a diverse workforce of over 2,000 officers and addressing complex urban policing challenges in one of the nation’s most expensive cities. San Francisco, like Honolulu, faces issues with homelessness, tourism-related crime, and balancing public safety with community concerns.

Lazar’s appointment comes as HPD struggles with a chronic shortage of officers, with authorized strength at about 2,100 but actual staffing hovering around 1,800. The department has also faced scrutiny over use-of-force incidents and community relations, particularly in areas like Kalihi and Waipahu.

Breaking with Tradition

HPD’s previous 12 chiefs all rose through the ranks within the department, a tradition that many saw as both a strength and limitation. Internal promotions ensured institutional knowledge and understanding of local dynamics, but critics argued this approach perpetuated existing problems and limited innovation.

The Police Commission’s decision to look outside comes after recommendations from community groups and reform advocates who pushed for fresh leadership following several controversial incidents in recent years.

“This represents a significant shift in how we think about police leadership in Honolulu,” said University of Hawaii public administration professor Dr. Keoni Nakamura. “An outside hire brings the potential for new approaches, but the challenge will be adapting those methods to Hawaii’s unique environment.”

Lazar will need to navigate Hawaii’s complex cultural dynamics, including relationships with Native Hawaiian communities, and understand the islands’ geography and resource constraints that make policing here different from mainland cities.

Next Steps and Challenges

Before Lazar can officially take the reins, he must complete contract negotiations with the city and pass an FBI background investigation. The Police Commission expects these processes to conclude within 60 days, with Lazar potentially starting as early as August.

His contract is expected to include performance metrics tied to community engagement, officer recruitment and retention, and crime reduction goals. The commission also plans to establish regular review periods to assess his adaptation to local conditions.

Interim Chief Rade Vanic, who has led the department since Logan’s departure, will continue in his role until Lazar’s appointment is finalized. Vanic, a 25-year HPD veteran, was also among the finalists for the permanent position.

The selection sets up what many observers see as a crucial test period for HPD’s future direction. Lazar will inherit ongoing challenges including budget constraints, union negotiations, and community relations efforts that will require both tactical expertise and cultural sensitivity.

For Honolulu residents, the appointment represents a gamble on change versus continuity at a time when public safety remains a top concern across neighborhoods from Hawaii Kai to the North Shore. Whether that gamble pays off may determine not just HPD’s future, but the broader conversation about police reform in Hawaii.