Honolulu Police Chief Lazar names permanent HPD deputy chiefs

By Ian Bauer

Today  • Last updated 12:39 a.m. 

Photo By George F. Lee Star*Advertiser

Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar announced his selections for deputy police chiefs during a press conference on Monday. From left, Mayor Rick Blan­giardi; Police Commission Chair Laurie Foster; State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers President Don Faumuina; Lazar and newly appointed HPD Deputy Chiefs Brandon Naka­sato and Parker Bode.

Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar Monday named two longtime Honolulu Police Department veterans as his permanent deputy chiefs.

Lazar selected Brandon Nakasato, a nearly 27-year HPD veteran, to oversee the department’s field operations and serve as the second-in-­command acting chief, when warranted. Maj. Parker Bode, who has 16 years with the department, was also chosen to lead HPD’s administrative operations.

Lazar, who took command as the 13th chief of the state’s largest law enforcement agency in May, said his latest top personnel selections are key pieces of newly formed leadership team. In so doing, Lazar takes over a troubled police force that in recent years has suffered hundreds of sworn officer vacancies, low officer morale and leadership instability, among other issues.

The new police chief has emphasized building a culture centered on the wellness of officers, civilian employees and their families, as well as strengthening internal trust and accountability. The chief said he also took time to meet with several candidates before making final selections to his command staff.

“During that time I made a promise that I’d be deliberate, that I was not going to select deputy chiefs right away from the Honolulu Police Department. That I would take a moment to get to know the men and women and the great work that they do,” Lazar said during a news conference at HPD headquarters. “And I did just that, I kept my promise and I kept my commitment.”

After meeting with many candidates in recent weeks, Lazar said Nakasato and Bode stood out as two highly capable, respected members of HPD.

Nakasato has held a wide range of patrol, investigative and administrative assignments during his HPD career.

A University Laboratory School graduate, Nakasato began his career in Central Receiving and later served in patrol in District 6, Waikiki and District 8, the Waianae Coast.

His investigative assignments included the Professional Standards Office and Criminal Investigation Division, where he worked on cases involving major crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes and homicide.

He also served in the Criminal Intelligence Unit and Human Resources Division and eventually oversaw the Investigative Bureau as an assistant chief.

“And most recently he has served as my interim deputy chief for field operations,” Lazar said.

Nakasato also has championed HPD’s Safer Roads, Together traffic-safety campaign, which focuses on reducing dangerous driving and preventing serious and fatal crashes.

“Brandon is a true leader,” Lazar said. “He’s innovative. He’s hardworking. He cares greatly about the community. He cares greatly about the department, and he is the best selection at this time as we move forward as an organization.”

Bode joined HPD in 2010. At 39, he is among the youngest deputy chiefs in department history, according to HPD.

A Kamehameha Schools graduate and second-­generation HPD officer, Bode is the son of a retired HPD major who served 33 years, and was assigned to Waikiki.

For his part, Bode has held assignments in police districts serving Kalihi, East Honolulu and Windward Oahu, as well as positions in the Human Resources and Training divisions. He’s also worked in administrative support for the Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of the Chief.

Much of Bode’s career has been spent in Human Resources, where he focused on personnel, workforce and organizational issues. He has served as Lazar’s chief of staff since the chief was sworn in, working closely with him on department priorities and executive leadership matters, according to HPD.

“He is leading the department’s effort to gather input from sworn and professional staff to help shape HPD’s new strategic plan,” Lazar said. “What our department will look like three or five or even 10 years from now.”

Outside of HPD, Bode has been involved in football as a coach and mentor. He was a quarterback at Kamehameha and has drawn on lessons from the sport, including discipline, consistency and developing others, in his approach to leadership.

At the news conference, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he was “inspired” by Lazar’s selection of Nakasato and Bode. “And today’s decision, with these two men behind me… I cannot be any more pleased,” the mayor said.

Don Faumuina, president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, also supported the chief’s choices.

“This is a major milestone for the Honolulu Police Department, and for our entire community,” Faumuina said. “Both deputy chiefs Nakasato and Bode have demonstrated steadfast dedication, integrity, and operational excellence throughout their distinguished careers.”

Likewise, Honolulu Police Commission Chair Laurie Foster expressed her satisfaction with Lazar and his newly picked command staff.

“And I’ll also reiterate that Chief Lazar told us that he would be intentional about his leadership team, and he has done that,” Foster added. “The commission is very confident that this group will make an excellent leadership team, and we look forward to working with all three of you.”

Nakasato and Bode also spoke, each thanking their respective wives and families for their ongoing support over the years.

“Thank you to Chief Lazar for this tremendous opportunity,” Nakasato said. “It’s truly an honor for me.”

Bode said he looked forward to working with the Mayor’s Office, the Police Commission and SHOPO “to move this department forward.”

Lazar was selected by the Police Commission on May 20 after retiring in 2025 as an assistant chief of operations with the San Francisco Police Department.

Lazar took the reins of HPD following former Chief Joe Logan’s contentious departure in July 2025, which included Logan filing a lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination and emotional distress.

That complaint, which initially named Blangiardi as a defendant but was later dismissed from the case by a judge, remains active.

Former Assistant Chief Rade Vanic served as interim chief during the transition until Lazar’s selection.