Served from 1964 to July 1, 2004

Lee D. Donohue rose through the ranks to become the Honolulu Police Department’s (HPD) eighth chief of police from 1998 to 2004. Chief Donohue is credited with guiding the department into the 21st century. During his administration, the HPD was awarded national accreditation, replaced its outdated radio system, expanded community policing, and acquired bullet-resistant vests and automated external defibrillators. When other police departments tried to lure away HPD officers, Chief Donohue stepped up hiring and retention efforts, reducing the shortage of Honolulu officers to an unprecedented low. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Chief Donohue provided a calm, steady hand as police across the nation shifted focus to anti-terrorism and heightened national security.

Chief Donohue has worked with thousands of at-risk youths through Kick Start Karate, an organization that he co-founded to teach martial arts and life skills. He also led efforts to establish the Honolulu Police Community Foundation to promote positive community-police relations and to provide financial support to the HPD.

Inducted May 15, 2019