The sheriff may appoint and dismiss and reappoint as many police officers as may be authorized by the department of health for the county. Patient residents, for the services rendered as police officers, shall receive pay as the department determines and which pay shall be taken out of and from the appropriation made by the legislature for the care and treatment of persons affected with Hansen’s disease. The sheriff shall have other powers and duties within the county of Kalawao and appropriate thereto as are prescribed by law for the chiefs of police or police officers of the several counties respectively.