A police dog with the Hawai‘i Police Department died Thursday after being left inside a vehicle for what officials described as “an unacceptable period of time.” The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, named Archer, was assigned to the Kona Vice section and had served the department for several years.

Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna called the incident a “preventable tragedy,” stressing that “dogs should not be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time,” according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The vehicle was parked at the Kona Police Station when Archer was left inside. It is not yet known how long he was confined, but Mahuna confirmed it was an “extended and unacceptable period of time,” Big Island Now reported.

A K9 named Archer died after being left in a hot police vehicle.

A dedicated partner in narcotics detection

Archer was six and a half years old and had been imported from Hungary. He joined the department in either 2020 or 2021, depending on training records, and specialized in narcotics detection. During his service, Archer participated in numerous operations that helped intercept drugs and contraband on Hawai‘i Island, Hawaii News Now reports.

He worked alongside handler Officer Sidra Brown, who was previously profiled by the department for her role in the Vice section. In a 2024 video shared for Women’s History Month, Brown described her pride in working with Archer and highlighted “the cool things these dogs can do” to keep communities safe.

Police vow accountability

The incident has sparked internal and criminal investigations. Chief Mahuna emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability and pledged that both administrative and criminal reviews would be thorough.“We are committed to accountability and making sure something like this never happens again,” he said, according to KHON2.

Mahuna also confirmed that while Archer’s handler is not on administrative leave, they will no longer serve in the Vice section or work with K-9 units.

Photo: Hawaii Police Department

Archer was a six-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix.

Public warning and community grief

Officials took the opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles.

“Leaving your car in the shade, with water for the dog, or with the windows partially down, even in mild weather, will not prevent your dog from overheating,” Mahuna said in a statement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He noted that hundreds of dogs die each year in similar circumstances, with many cases never reported.

The department expressed gratitude to the community for its support during what it described as a painful time. Archer’s death is not only a professional loss but also a personal one for those who worked with him.

“Archer was not just a police dog, he was a partner, protector, and a member of our police family,” Mahuna said.

A memorial service is expected to be held for Archer in recognition of his years of service to the island.