FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     April 1, 2006

Release M-38-06

MAYOR MOURNS THE PASSING OF

FORMER CHIEF NAKAMURA

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann issued the following statement on the demise of former Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura.

            “Mike Nakamura was my friend, advisor and political confidant.  We both have Kalihi roots and we worked together closely when I was on the City Council and he was Honolulu’s police chief.  As chief he was respected by the community and popular among the men and women who served with him on the police force. We partnered in several community activities, such as the Pacific Century Fellows.  He publicly supported me both times I ran for mayor and I had great plans for him to continue to serve the community, but the accident prevented that.    

            “His forgiveness of the young man who struck him down was an indication of the kind of man Mike Nakamura was. That generous act embodied the Christmas spirit, and that is why we chose Chief Mike to be the guest of honor at our very first Kapolei City Lights ceremony just last December.

            “Gail and I offer our deepest condolences to Carol and their family. All Honolulu is really, really going to miss this great and good man.”

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767