Served from January 16, 1975 to June 20, 2000

Barbara Wong paved the way for female officers in the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) by becoming one of the first female commissioned police officers in the HPD. She earned the respect of fellow officers by being a role model, supervisor, commander, and bureau chief.

She joined the HPD in 1972 as a police radio dispatcher. In 1974, the HPD opened the officer position to females, and she became one of the first two females hired to perform the same patrol duties as a male officer. This landmark was reflected in the HPD badge designation change from “Patrolman” to “Officer.” Barbara Wong was received with mixed emotions by her follow officers. Despite the challenges, she earned the respect of those who worked with her through her dedication, integrity, and compassion.

In February 1997, she became the department’s first female Assistant Chief and headed the Central Patrol Bureau and later Administrative Bureau. Assistant Chief Barbara Wong retired from the HPD on June 20, 2000. Upon her retirement, she went on to fulfill her lifelong dream of attending law school. She earned her Juris Doctorate in 2003 from the William S. Richardson School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar Association that year. In 2005, Barbara Wong was appointed as the Executive Director of the State Campaign Spending Commission, the first female to hold that position.

Inducted on May 9, 2012