Source: Hawaii News Now
Hawaii County police have introduced new safety measures to protect their K-9 units following the September death of police dog Archer, who died after being left in a vehicle for an “unacceptable period of time,” according to Police Chief Reed Mahuna. Although the Attorney General’s office declined to file criminal charges against the handler, an internal investigation found discipline was warranted, with details withheld due to an active grievance process.
In response, the department installed temperature monitors in all K-9 vehicles to alert handlers and command staff if conditions become too hot. The county’s six police dogs now also wear specialized sensor collars that track body temperature, location, and other vital data, triggering alarms if overheating occurs. Additionally, kennels at the Kona police station were remodeled to include shaded and grassy areas, funded by the Hawaii Island K9 Association.
Officer Kyle Murray and his dog Kim, assigned to narcotics and vice, continue duties detecting illegal drugs at airports and shipping centers.