KAILUA, KONA — The Hawai'i County Police Commission says it has narrowed the choices for the Big Island's next police chief to two finalists and hopes to make a decision by the end of the year.

The two are Deputy Chief Harry Kubojiri and retired Capt. Chadwick Fukui. They were among four applicants to replace Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

Commission chairwoman Pudding Lassiter said three public meetings are scheduled this month to discuss the candidates. The commission will conduct interviews Dec. 3.

Fukui served with the police department for 34 years and currently is an investigator for the prosecutor's office on a contractual basis.

Kubojiri has nearly 30 years with the force and has served as deputy police chief since 2002.