popo

The term "popo" is widely used across Hawaii as casual slang for the police or law enforcement. Originally derived from mainland African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularized by 1980s and 90s hip-hop culture, the word was quickly adopted into Hawaiian Pidgin by local youth and has since become a staple in everyday street vocabulary. It is most commonly used as a quick warning among friends—such as alerting a driver to a speed trap or an expired safety check—or when recounting a chaotic story. While universally understood by locals of all ages, it remains highly informal. It is perfectly acceptable when joking around with friends or complaining about a parking ticket, but it would be considered disrespectful or inappropriate to use in formal settings, in court, or when speaking directly to a police officer.

"Brah, turn around, turn around!" Keoni screamed from the passenger seat, slapping the dashboard of his lifted Tacoma. They were dead stopped in the middle of the Kapa'a bypass traffic, wedged between a tour bus and a lifted 4Runner. In the back seat, his strict Japanese bachan was whacking his headrest with her folding fan, yelling about how they were going to miss the early bird special at Mark's Place in Lihu'e. "How I supposed to turn around, you lolo?" his cousin Ikaika yelled back, gripping the steering wheel. "Get one giant bus right behind us!"

"I no care! Da safety check expired three months ago and I get one cracked windshield!" Keoni panicked, pointing frantically at the flashing blue lights creeping up the shoulder. "Da popo coming right for us! Dey gonna tow da truck, Ikaika! Dey gonna take my baby!" Bachan smacked the seat again, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Good! Maybe the police teach you boys how for register your car like normal people! Now move out the way so I can eat my beef stew!"

The blue lights flashed brighter as the Kaua'i Police Department SUV squeezed past them on the narrow shoulder, completely ignoring the Tacoma. Keoni slumped down in his seat, clutching his chest like he just survived a heart attack, while Ikaika just shook his head. "You see? Dey no care about your stupid truck," Ikaika muttered, inching forward. Bachan whacked him next. "Less talking, more driving! The stew getting cold!"