Former Honolulu Police Chief Francis Keala dies at 86
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2000
Judge Chang shakes hands with Francis Keala.
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2000
Francis Keala, former police chief
Former Honolulu police Chief Francis Keala died Saturday morning at the age of 86.
Keala, who served as chief from 1969 to 1983, had been ill for a while, said son, Mark Keala.
“We’re doing fine,” Mark Keala said. “He passed away quickly.”
Keala, who was sworn in at the age of 39, was credited for fighting organized crime and used innovative tactics to combat other common crimes, such as a marijuana eradication program called “Operation Green Harvest,” a school truancy program and an undercover sting enterprise known as “Operation Hukilau.”
A graduate of Saint Louis High School and the University of Hawaii, Keala was the first person with a college education promoted to the helm of the department.
He was also known for expanding internal affairs to include annual inspections, as well as developing a recruitment drive and creating a community relations division to encourage the public to help combat crime.
Keala retired in 1983 after nearly 30 years with the department.
12 responses to “Former Honolulu Police Chief Francis Keala dies at 86”
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RIP Chief.
A full federal rail audit should be done from day 1. Please sign the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-investigate-the-political-corruption-fraud-and-abuse-involving-the-honolulu-rail-project?recruiter=28344031&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink
aloha, chief keala, rest in peace. condolences and thanks to the family for his service and their sacrifices during his tours of duty.
but, something doesn’t add up in the star ad article. if he was sworn in at 39, serving 30, retiring in 1983, at 69 years old, 33 years ago, would make him about 102 years old, in 2016.
keala must have been 23 when he was sworn into the department around 1953, to be 86 years old.
What ya talking about? He was sworn in at 39 in 1969, so he was born in 1930, which is 86 years ago.
thank you, i read it as sworn in to the department at 39. now i see it as sworn in as chief at 39. mahalo.
Does your cryptic name mean “stoned”?
IRT bumbye, st1d admitted his error and appreciated your correction . It was unnecessary to be ill-mannered. I know you’re nicer than that.. Take care kid!
Grew up in same neighborhood, went to school with his kids. Very nice family and man.
RIP Chief Keala
Sorry to hear of his passing….he was a good man….condolences to his family….
Francis Keala was probably one of two very good police chiefs we had in the last 40 years.
I remember him walking down the halls of the old Sears building wearing his white shoes and white belt. A very good Chief and a person of unquestioned integrity. Even those who sometimes disagreed with him respected Chief Keala.
Like!
One less good guy on earth! RIP! Sincere condolences to his family.