LIHUE — A new member of the Kauai Police Commission was confirmed by the County Council this week and joined the commission at its regular meeting Friday, filling the last vacant seat on the commission.
Dean Pigao, a retired Kauai police lieutenant, was nominated for the position by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
The seven-member commission meets once a month and is responsible for appointing the police chief — a task it is in the midst of now, following the retirment of Darryl Perry in July — and oversees matters related to the goals and aims of the department.
In addition to his new duties as commissioner, Pigao runs his own private investigation company and is the loss prevention manager for Hokuala Kauai, where he oversees security.
He said it is a lot to take on, but feels that public service is something he needs to do.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community somehow, after it gave me 25 good years,” Pigao said Friday, referring to his two-and-a-half decades on the police force. So he thought, “Why not volunteer?”
Pigao also felt compelled to join the commission because he knew he could bring a unique and important perspective. He is the only current commissioner to have been a Kauai Police officer.
“I thought I had something to add,” he said.
In 1980, Pigao joined the force at age 20, serving in different departments as he progressed through the ranks. He worked in the vice and crime-reduction units before being promoted to sergeant in the mid-90s and becoming a detective.
Eventually he transferred back to patrol services and was promoted to lieutenant. After a brief stint as Waimea District commander, he transferred to youth services, where he spent the remaining eight years of his career until retirement in 2005.
Other commissioners include Chair Gerald “Chip” Bahouth, Vice Chair Mary K. Hertog, and members Catherine Adams, Jonelle Jardin, Kevin T. Mince and Roy Morita.
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Caleb Loehrer, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0441 or cloehrer@thegardenisland.com.
