Susan Ballard Becomes First Woman Police Chief Amid Honolulu Corruption Scandal

HONOLULU, HI — Honolulu's Acting Mayor Roy Amemiya said the woman selected to be the police department's next chief faces a major challenge of restoring public trust. He added the city's administration looks forward to sitting down with her soon to discuss the long-term vision for the department.

The police commission on Wednesday selected Maj. Susan Ballard to replace Louis Kealoha, who retired amid a federal corruption investigation.

Sixty-year-old Ballard is set to be the first woman chief in the department's history. She's been on the force for 32 years.

Kealoha, his deputy city prosecutor wife and four current and former officers were indicted last week.

Charges include obstruction of justice and bank fraud.

The indictment said the Kealohas orchestrated the theft of their home mailbox to discredit Katherine Kealoha's uncle in a family financial dispute. The Kealohas have pleaded not guilty.

Ballard says the indictment's allegations made her angry.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is on vacation.

AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File