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The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photo

The Maui News / LILA FUJIMOTO photo

First photo: Maui Police Department traffic commander Lt. William Hankins is greeted by officers and community members Thursday on the front lawn of the Wailuku Police Station. About 50 people showed up to recognize and congratulate Hankins, who is retiring March 1 after more than 30 years of service. Lifelong Hana resident Claire Kamalu Carroll, who organized the gathering, said Hankins “set the bar of high expectations,” including in East Maui when he was commander of the Hana Patrol Division. “No one will be Hankins, but you will be compared in years to come,” Carroll told Hankins, who was presented a certificate of recognition signed by Mayor Michael Victorino. Hankins said he hopes MPD leaders continue to support officers and the traffic safety program and efforts to prevent impaired driving, speeding and traffic deaths. “It’s a team effort. I’m just one piece of it,” he said. “The traffic program on Maui is the best in the state. Let’s hope everything carries forward and they continue to do the right thing for officers and the community.”

Second photo: Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura greets Hankins with lei and a balloon. She said his retirement is a “loss to the department,” though she respects his decision. “I have been hearing already from the community — what’s going on?” she said. “He wants to save lives and do the very best for the community.”

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