HONOLULU -- Commissioners on Wednesday voted to make Capt. Louis Kealoha Honolulu's new police chief.

Kealoha, 49, succeeds Chief Boisse Correa, who retired in August, after the police commission chose not to renew his contract.

"I think what the police commission and the department is looking for is someone who can lead with courage and confidence into the future, and that's what I bring. I bring a new vision, ability to bring people together so we can work forward and serve the community," Kealoha said.

Kealoha was one of six finalists the commissioners considered.

Other Finalists:

HPD acting Honolulu Police Chief Paul Putzulu

HPD Assistant Chief Delbert Tatsuyama

HPD Assistant Chief Debora Tandal

Chicago Police Cmdr. Gary Yamashiroya

Phoenix Police Cmdr. Harry Markely

Kealoha has been in charge of the Juvenile Services Division. He is a 26-year veteran of the force.

The new chief has a bachelor's degree in business, a master's degree in criminal justice administration and a doctorate in education.

"Honolulu’s finest will have an exceptional leader at the helm of the organization, while our residents can be assured that he’ll bring strong and innovative leadership to his responsibilities. I’m looking forward to collaborating with him on keeping Honolulu one of the safest big cities in the nation," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a written statement.

Kealoha was the favorite candidate of the rank-and-file. Many officers expressed their joy at the news that Kealoha was chosen.

"They also know the other side is that I'm also decisive, and we're not going to compromise on the integrity of the department, just because I have links and friendships with the people," Kealoha said.

Officers say Kealoha is respected by the rank-and-file as a fair, consistent and approachable leader.

"I am very happy. Louis will make an excellent chief. He's got a great education. He has a PhD. He has a lot of experience and I think he is the choice of the people. Everybody that I have talked to from any rank all the way up feels that Louis do a good job," Maj. Gregory Lefcourt said.

"This is definitely a chief of police who represents what we have always said we want an officers chief," State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers President Tenari Maafala said.

Kealoha's supporters said he is definitely the one to build morale, which they said has been flagging for the last five years.

Members of the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday morning questioned Honolulu Police Commission Chairwoman Christine Camp about the controversial selection of finalists for the city's new police chief.

Questions were raised after Camp asked the selection committee to add two more finalists to the interview process. Read more about the City Council meeting.

Police commissioners said Kealoha was the only candidate who submitted a five-year strategic plan for the department.