FBI careers and training in Hawaii originate at the Honolulu Division, which is located in Wailuku. Although originally created in 1931 to address concerns about the Japanese presence in the Pacific during the time, the mission of the Honolulu, Hawaii Division has changed dramatically, as this FBI Division is now primarily focused on the illegal drug trade, which is believed to fund terrorism and support militant groups in the Pacific region.
In addition to the main FBI office in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, the FBI has a number of satellite (resident) offices in Hawaii, as well as the Pacific Rim, including:
- Maui
- Kona
- Guam
- Saipan
Career Paths for FBI Agents in Hawaii
The Honolulu, Hawaii FBI Division has proved to be a critical element of the FBI, as the Honolulu Field Intelligence Group was instrumental in catching a former defense contractor who was attempting to sell American B-2 bombers to foreign governments.
FBI jobs in Hawaii are quite varied, as the Honolulu Division employs not only FBI Special Agents, but many highly specialized and trained professionals, including:
- Investigative Specialists
- Support Services Technicians
- Electronics Technicians
- Language Specialists
- Paralegals
- Security Specialists
- Financial Analysts
- Intelligence Analysts
These devoted FBI professionals oversee the following specialty task forces:
- Evidence Recovery and Processing– The Honolulu Evidence Response Team consists of FBI Special Agents and other FBI specialists who secure crime scenes and gather and process all physical evidence found there.
- Computer Forensics– The Hawaii Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART) consists of Forensic Examiners who retrieve evidence from electronics devices and process it as to maintain its integrity for court proceedings.
- Tactical Support and Crisis Response– The Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and Hostage Rescue Team in Hawaii are tasked with performing in highly dangerous and difficult emergency situations, including storming barricaded buildings and rescuing hostages.
- Bomb Recovery and Analysis– The FBI Special Agents working in the Honolulu Bomb Recovery and Analysis are highly skilled professionals who test and render safe any and all explosive devices. These FBI jobs in Hawaii work alongside the Joint Terrorism Task Forces to gather information that may become vital intelligence and send it to the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center.
- Hazardous Materials – The Honolulu HAZMAT division works alongside the Weapons of Mass Destruction experts at the FBI Headquarters to respond to terrorist attacks and criminal incidents where hazardous materials are involved.
- Translation– FBI jobs in Hawaii in the Translation Division include language specialists who are trained to translate documents and audio files for terrorism, criminal, and espionage cases.
How to Become an FBI Special Agent in Hawaii: FBI Requirements in Hawaii
Individuals who want to learn how to become an FBI Agent in Hawaii must first understand the FBI Requirements in Hawaii.
In particular, FBI jobs in Hawaii include working with local, state, federal, and international colleagues in law enforcement, intelligence, and first responder settings. Hawaii FBI careers include working with multi-agency task forces, fusions centers, and intelligence groups on joint investigations, including:
- Joint Terrorism Task Force – Pacific
- Honolulu Field Intelligence Group
- FBI Counterintelligence Strategic Partnerships Program
- Honolulu Hi-Tech Crimes Working Group
- Honolulu InfraGard Chapter
- Human Trafficking Task Forces (Guam and Saipan)
- Honolulu Violent Crimes Task Force
- High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force
Candidates for employment as an FBI Special Agent with the FBI must meet specific FBI requirements in Hawaii to be considered. In particular, all candidates must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be between the ages of 23 and 36 (Veterans may be older than 37)
- Hold a four-year degree from a recognized and accredited college or university
- Have at least 2 years of professional work experience
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
- Be available to work anywhere in the FBI’s jurisdiction
- Pass an FBI background check
- Meet Special Agent Physical Requirements