DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Nainoa Thompson, bottom, and others presented a lei to Fred Paoa, in straw hat, Duke Kahanamoku's first cousin, at ceremonies last month to unveil a new stamp of Kahanamoku. Paoa died Monday at the age of 97.

FRED HO'OLAE PAOA / COMMUNITY LEADER

Former policeman lived
to honor Hawaii, family

See also: Obituaries

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By Craig Gima
cgima@starbulletin.com

Fred Ho'olae Paoa, who learned how to surf from his cousin Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, served as an assistant chief in the Honolulu Police Department and was a technical adviser to the "Hawaii 5-0" television series, died Monday in Queen's Medical Center. He was 97.

Just last month, Paoa had the honor of representing the Paoa and Kahanamoku families in ceremonies marking the issuance of the Duke Kahanamoku U.S. postage stamp in Waikiki.

"He was thrilled. Duke Kahanamoku was his favorite cousin," said daughter Elizabeth Kauakekuahilo Cullen. "He (Kahanamoku) was like a mentor to my dad as he grew up."

Paoa was born at the family home in Waikiki, where the Hilton Hawaiian Village now stands, and grew up with some of the original Waikiki beach boys, Cullen said.

He attended St. Louis School, the University of Hawaii and Harvard University.

He joined the Honolulu Police Department in 1932 as a patrolman and became a detective two years later. During World War II he served as an intelligence officer with the Navy until he returned to the Police Department. He was also a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Paoa headed the Crime Prevention Division of the Police Department in 1946 and helped form the Police Athletic League, which is now the Police Activities League. He was also in charge of the Plans and Training Division and became an assistant chief in 1956. He retired after 35 years of service.

After his retirement, Paoa worked as a technical adviser to the "Hawaii 5-0" television series, where his job was to make sure the actors looked and acted like real police officers and investigators, Cullen said.

Paoa is also survived by daughter Florence Mililani Morton, nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. next Saturday at Oahu Cemetery.