Nine Big Island police officers have been promoted from the rank of sergeant/detective to lieutenant, effective July 1, Chief Lawrence K. Mahuna has announced.

The newly promoted lieutenants and their assignments are: Miles Chong - Vice Section, Area II; Jeremie C.O. Evangelista - Kona Patrol; Gilbert Gaspar - Kona Patrol; Darren Horio - Kona Patrol; and Samuel Kawamoto - Special Response Team.

Also promoted were Richard Sherlock - Vice Section, Area I; Burt Shimabukuro - South Hilo Patrol; Harold L. Sumaoang - Kona Patrol; and Aimee Wana - Communications Section.