Hawaii’s Sheriff Division now has 18 more deputies.

The first class of recruits since 2009 graduated Friday. Six will work on the Big Island, two are going to Maui and one is going to Kauai. The others will protect Circuit Court, District Court and the state Capitol.

Sheriff Shawn Tsuha says the division has 314 sworn personnel and about 24 vacancies remain.

In recent years there wasn’t an appropriation to cover training for a recruit class. The cost for the latest class was about $180,000.

Duties of the statewide law enforcement division, part of the Department of Public Safety, include protecting the governor and Honolulu Airport.