The Honolulu Police Commission gave glowing marks to Police Chief Louis Kealoha in his third annual evaluation, which was released Wednesday.
Kealoha scored an overall average of 4.1 out of a possible 5.0, reaching the "exceeds expectations" evaluation level.
Kealoha’s evaluation scores have gone up each year. He scored a 3.8 last year, which the commission described as "meets expectations plus," and a 3.0 after his first 12 months, considered "meets expectations."
"The commission has observed the chief develop into a confident and effective leader as his experience addressing the complexities of heading one of the 20 largest police departments in the nation increase," commission Chairman Marc Tilker said in a news release.
"The chief clearly remains enthusiastically dedicated and focused on enhancing the quality of life in our communities through creating the safest possible environment," Tilker said.
Kealoha, in a statement, said he is pleased with the rating and "the confidence the commission has in my abilities."
"I credit the work of my employees and my management staff for their efforts toward improving the safety in all of our communities and that the improved rating is an indication that the department is heading in the right direction," he said.
The commission conducted its review behind closed doors over several meetings in recent months.
The process, as in previous years, included each of the commission members making a preliminary individual evaluation that looked at five performance areas: financial (counts as 25 percent of score), leadership (20 percent), managerial (20 percent), police commission relations (20 percent) and community relations (15 percent). Kealoha then gave a presentation to the commission highlighting his accomplishments, challenges and vision, and answered commissioners’ questions. The commission also reviewed Kealoha’s updated strategic plan intended to guide the department through 2015.
Kealoha’s five-year term began in November 2009. He is eligible for a second term.
