The Maui Police Department, established in 1939, serves not only Maui but also the neighboring islands of Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, covering nearly 2,400 square miles. In recent years, the department has undergone significant modernization—particularly following the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires—which included the launch of its own dedicated aviation unit. Until then, MPD operated without a helicopter, relying instead on the Maui Fire Department aircraft for aerial support.
Jul 24, 2025 · The Maui Police Department added its first helicopter, a second-hand BK117 named Hekili, meaning “thunder” in Hawaiian, and will no longer rely on the Maui Fire Department’s aircraft