Mark Hayashi - Class of 2013
January 1st, 2021
Alumnus Mark Hayashi Joins HPD’s Winter Recruit Class of 2021
Pacific Buddhist Academy Class of 2013 alumnus Mark Hayashi has been accepted into the Honolulu Police Department’s winter recruit class of 2021. The process of applying takes anywhere between six months to two years. Mark says he is most excited to contribute back to the community and eventually hopes to pursue a career as a detective.
After graduating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in communicology, Mark worked as a live-event coordinator at local conventions on Oahu. Mark applied for the police academy in hopes of following the footsteps of family members who are passionate about public service. “My mother works as the director for a non-profit in charge of homeless services in the Wahiawa and Waipahu area,” explained Mark. “Her dedication to the community pushed me to apply to the recruit class."
When asked if Mark had any advice for current PBA students interested in pursuing a similar field, he replied, “The best thing I can say is be honest and earnest. Though I have not started yet, one quote that sticks with me from a recruiting officer is, ‘People apply to the Police Force from all around and everyone has a history, some of which may not be the best. However, that is what makes us human. We are looking for people with integrity and who show the desire to have grown from their past more than a picture-perfect person who doesn’t exist.’”
Reflecting on his time at PBA, Mark said, “With a small class size, I got to know others quite deeply. This provided the chance to create a bond that I seldom have found outside of my family and PBA. My experience in high school taught me to cherish my interpersonal relationships and influenced my choice of major. Not only that, but also the friendships I forged at PBA have still lasted until today. I meet up with many other PBA alumni about once a week to catch up after work.”
While Mark waits for his training to begin, he practices martial arts. Pictured is Mark at a tournament in Japan. In addition to becoming a detective, his future goals include eventually going back to college to master in communicology and/or law.
“Mark is an extremely kind, thoughtful, and hardworking individual. He is a wonderful addition to the HPD recruit class and I’m sure that he will embrace the opportunity with his trademark enthusiasm. We all wish him nothing but the best as he embarks on his new adventure!” said Mark's former advisor, Joe Udell.
PBA wishes Mark a successful HPD training experience!
