Top cop is eager to get back to work

HPD's chief has racked up 112 days of injured leave so far

Honolulu police Chief Boisse Correa has been out on 112 days of injured leave since taking the position in August 2004, according to a statement released yesterday by acting Chief Paul Putzulu.

Correa's most recent leave started Aug. 31 because of a work-related back injury.

Putzulu said in yesterday's news release that the chief is "eager to return to work."

"It's a frustrating situation for anyone who is forced to miss work because of an injury, and the chief would like to express his appreciation to the community for their continued support and concern."

The Honolulu Police Commission said after their Sept. 19 meeting with Correa that he is out indefinitely because he might require more surgery for his back.

Correa had back operations in April and August 2006.

That commission meeting came a day after the Honolulu Police Reporter, an online site created by Alex Garcia, noted the chief was conspicuously absent from 9/11 memorial events. Garcia was the Oahu chapter chairman for the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers.

Meanwhile, the department will be filling a vacancy in its administration left by former Assistant Chief Michael Tucker, who was promoted to deputy chief.

Maj. Kevin Lima, who heads the Narcotics/Vice Division, will be promoted to assistant chief effective Oct. 7.

The Honolulu Police Department will hold a promotions ceremony Wednesday.

Lima joined the Police Department in 1979.

Tucker filled a position vacated by former Deputy Chief Glen Kajiyama, who left to become federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration.