Kenneth Wong, inspired HPD officers
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kenneth "Kenny" Siu Yuen Wong was a custodial worker and unofficial ambassador of good will for three decades at the Honolulu Police Department's former Pawa'a and Alapa'i headquarters buildings.
HPD
"To me, he was always an inspiration," Chief Lee Donohue said of Wong, who died Feb. 8 at Wahiawa General Hospital at age 66.
Police Chief Lee Donohue presented Kenneth Wong with a medallion on his last day of work at HPD headquarters.
Stricken from birth with cerebral palsy, Wong inspired many with his cheerful, helpful and positive attitude.
At the Alapa'i station, Wong could be vacuuming the hallway floors one moment, helping out a blind concessionaire a little while later, and joking with officers of all ranks throughout the day.
"It was a two-way street," said Donohue. "Working at HPD gave Kenny a sense of purpose, and he was someone less fortunate who showed many of us how to cope with situations."
Assistant Chief Boisse Correa recalled how Wong could turn an officer's spirits around in an instant.
"You could be down in the dumps," Correa said, "and Kenny would be doing his thing. He'd start joking with you or swipe at you with the broom or put garbage in front of you and the next thing you know, he's brought your spirits back up.
"Kenny never saw himself as impaired and went around trying to make everyone feel good," Correa said. "I used to work with some of the hardest commanders. Even they loved to have fun with Kenny."
Wong worked at HPD from March 27, 1970, to July 30, 1999. Donohue gave Wong a medallion at a luncheon on his last day of work.
"He was so proud of it," Russell F.K. Wong, younger brother of Kenneth Wong, said of the medallion. "He loved all the (memorabilia) he collected from HPD over the years. He loved HPD, and he loved the people who worked there."
Russell Wong said doctors predicted his brother would live two years when he was born. "But he lived a full life," Russell Wong said. "He never considered himself handicapped. We did a lot of things together. I would catch frogs, he'd cook them. Kenny cleaned house, cooked and went everywhere on the bus."
Correa said Kenneth Wong was more than loved at HPD. "He was revered," Correa said.
In addition to his brother Russell, Kenneth Wong is survived by his mother, Ella; brothers Clifford S.H. of California and Victor S.B. of Washington state; two nephews and seven nieces.
Services will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Visitation is from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Burial will follow the service. Casual attire.
Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.
