Rade Vanic has been chosen as the interim chief of the Honolulu Police Department. The decision came during a meeting of the Honolulu Police Commission, held ahead of the upcoming retirement of Chief Joe Logan. Vanic, currently serving as deputy chief, will take over on July 16.
The commission made a unanimous decision in selecting Vanic. All seven members agreed that choosing the next-highest ranking officer aligned with the city’s charter. This approach was taken instead of adopting Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s suggestion to name Hawaii Island Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz as interim chief.
Vanic previously held the interim chief position in 2021. He stepped in after the retirement of then-Chief Susan Ballard. His return to the role is seen as a stable move that avoids further leadership changes during an already sensitive time for the department.
Commission Favors Stability
The decision was made with the intention of maintaining continuity within the department. Several commissioners expressed concern about placing the agency through two leadership changes in a short period.
Commissioner Doug Chin said that if a police chief steps down, a new process to find an interim leader is not necessary. Instead, he supported choosing a familiar face from within the department.
Chairman Kenneth Silva thanked all eight candidates who applied. Each applicant gave a short five-minute pitch. He acknowledged the challenges of working in law enforcement and appreciated their effort and courage.
The list of candidates included retired DEA agent Thomas Aiu, HPD Major Ryan Hironaka, HPD Deputy Chief Keith Horikawa, former Maui police officer Wayne Ibarra, HPD Assistant Chief Brian Lynch, Hawaii Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz, and HPD Captain Clifford Ramson.
Moszkowicz, who spent 22 years at HPD and was once a finalist for the top job, did not resign from his current position before the vote. Vanic’s familiarity with HPD’s internal operations and strategy helped solidify his selection.
Mayor Sought Outside Leadership
Mayor Blangiardi had strongly recommended that Moszkowicz be chosen as interim chief. He said fresh leadership was needed following Logan’s exit.
Despite his input, the mayor does not have the authority to appoint or dismiss police or fire chiefs. The commission, made up of mayoral appointees, holds that power.
Blangiardi has since announced plans to propose a city charter amendment. This change would give the mayor’s office more authority over police and fire department leadership.
The decision to reappoint Vanic aligns with the commission’s strategy for consistent leadership. Vanic, along with Logan’s leadership team, is already familiar with the department’s strategic plan.
Logan’s Retirement and Background
Joe Logan is set to retire on June 30. A graduate of St. Louis School, Logan holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He also has a bachelor’s degree in justice administration and management from Hawaii Pacific University.
He began his term as chief in May 2022. His retirement marks the end of a long career in public service, and his successor will now take the reins during a transitional period.
What’s Next for the Department
With Vanic taking over as interim chief, the department aims to continue its work without disruption. A new search process for the permanent position is expected to begin soon.
Vanic’s previous leadership experience and current role as deputy chief provide a strong base for this transition. His term begins July 16 and will last until a new permanent chief is selected.
The commission believes this appointment will help maintain public trust and ensure smooth daily operations during the upcoming leadership change.
