Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii • Line of Duty Death: August 8, 2023
Police Officer Bill Sapolu of the Honolulu Police Department in Hawaii was involved in a motorcycle crash while on duty on July 11, 2023. He was rushing to assist a fellow officer at a weapons violation call when he struck a median and was thrown from his motorcycle. He sustained multiple injuries and remained in the hospital until his passing on August 8, 2023. Officer Sapolu’s final act of heroism was when his organs were donated to help save others. He was 46 years old and had served with the Honolulu Police Department for 21 years.
Sapolu was born in Samoa and moved to Hawaii at the age of six. He grew up on the Leeward Coast of Oahu, where he graduated from Nanakuli High School. He was a football player, a member of the school band and a member of the performing arts club. He continued his education at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Sapolu proudly served his county in the United States Army National Guard for 22 years. His distinguished military career included four combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a Flight Engineer working on Chinook helicopters and retired as a decorated combat veteran receiving numerous awards, medals and ribbons. Sapolu joined the Honolulu Police Department on February 27, 2003 and served for 21 years. During that time, he held various positions, including Patrol Officer, Bike Officer, ATV Officer and, most recently and proudly, as a Solo-Bike Officer. He was also a talented musician who performed with the award winning group “A Touch of Gold”. He loved his family above all else, and was a devoted husband and father.
Police Officer Bill Sapolu of the Honolulu Police Department in Hawaii is survived by his wife, Christina, his children, Kayla, Karly, and Kody, his father, Mila, his step-mother, Florida, his sister, Fa’ailoa, and his brothers, Pasesa, Chasid, Mila Jr., and Otto. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mati.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Sapolu family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.