For many years, there was an overwhelming need for representation of all workers in our state, regardless of whether they were employed in the private or public sector. Although representation was finally achieved for most workers, it took additional years for our police officers to be granted this privilege. In fact it was not until 1970 that the state legislature passed Act 171,which granted police officers and other public sector employees the right to organize. As a result of this legislation, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers was founded in 1971. At that time, police officers looked at other organizations, but voted in July of 1972 to be represented by SHOPO, an independent, non-affiliated union for police officers only. We feel that time has proven this choice to be the best one.

We are proud of the fact that we have the only union in our state, which is truly democratic. The elected Boards of Directors run our organization. They are not just figureheads. It takes a great deal of time and work on the part of the individuals who serve on these Boards, ``Police Officers for Police Officers!`` is the only way. We are our own individuals and owe allegiance to no one else. If the membership is dissatisfied at any time, they can vote in a new board.

SHOPO is composed of four separate Chapters, Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai, each with its own Board of Directors elected by the membership of the respective chapters. Each board is presided over by a Chapter Chairman who is also a member of the State Board of Directors. In addition to these four persons, the State Board consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Directors at Large (eleven persons in all), who are elected by the entire statewide membership. The board members do not receive remuneration. Each chapter is autonomous and has its own Constitution and By-Laws. SHOPO is a non-profit corporation and the Charter of Incorporation supersedes the Chapter Constitutions and By-Laws in case of a conflict.

Most everyone is familiar with the round SHOPO emblem that is used as this Union's trademark, but many individuals are oblivious to the background and meaning that went into its creation.

Several years ago when SHOPO was voted the exclusive representative of Hawaii's police officers, a contest was held to find a suitable symbol. From the many entrants, Sergeant Robert Kane of the Traffic Division was selected as the winner.

In creating the emblem, Robert Kane used a little of the old Hawaii combined with some of the new Hawaii.

The outline of the police officer was fashioned from the statue of King Kamehameha, and as with the statue, the hand is extended in a gesture of friendship. The statue of King Kamehameha was chosen because he was the first to unite all the islands together as one, just as SHOPO has done. The aspect is illustrated by the presence of the eight islands around the policeman, depicting all police officers in Hawaii. The pole the officer holds is symbolic of the spear in the statue's hand, but is actually a weapon the ancient Hawaiian Law enforcers carried. Finally a chain circles the entire logo. This chain represents the most important concept, it is the idea that an individual, independent union is only as strong as its membership - a weak link will make a weak chain.