The Hawaiʻi Police Department highlighted community connection and service with a trio of events, including a keiki fishing tournament, a Hilo beach park cleanup, and quarterly awards recognizing standout officers.
Hawaiʻi Police Department supports South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby
With poles in hand and plenty of smiles, 183 keiki took part in the 2026 South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 25, at Pua Kaʻilima ʻO Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park.
The South Kohala Community Policing Section hosted the fourth annual gathering to bring young anglers and families together for friendly competition and outdoor fun. Keiki fished for two hours while officers weighed and logged each catch to determine winners in six age groups.
Afterward, families were treated to lunch. New Hope Kawaihae provided a hydration station with cold water, fresh fruit, and healthy snacks, and DARE Hawaiʻi served shave ice. Several participants created Gyotaku fish prints with artist Eddie Carvalho, and prize drawings added to the festivities.
Results
- Ages 1 to 5 years: 1st – Lihau Fukuyama, 2nd – Hokulei Ching, 3rd – Ezven Meno
- Ages 6 to 7 years: 1st – Eli Penny, 2nd – Crew Vaefaga, 3rd – Malakai Bustista
- Ages 8 to 9 years: 1st – Kira Richards, 2nd – Grayson Bell, 3rd – Thea Caravalho
- Ages 10 to 11 years: 1st – Ella Vaefaga, 2nd – Aumarie Morris, 3rd – Ilikai Perez
- Ages 12 to 13 years: 1st – Logan Roberg, 2nd – Marcus Alcantara-Madrid, 3rd – Ryana Buatista
- Ages 14 and older: 1st – Naʻi Rivera, 2nd – Carl Richards III, 3rd – Keola Thomas
“Seeing 183 keiki and their families come together made this year’s derby especially meaningful,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting. “It gives us an opportunity to build relationships, create positive memories, and celebrate the strength of our community.”
For information about future events, contact Officer Justin Cabanting at justin.cabanting@hawaiipolice.gov.
Hawaiʻi Police Department leads Richardson Ocean Park cleanup
In spite of heavy rain, officers with the South Hilo Community Policing Section carried out a cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park in Keaukaha on Saturday, July 25. Officers removed trash and debris and landscaped areas with a weed eater and rakes. They also noted signs that animals had been brought into the park.
The department reminds the public that animals are not allowed in Hawaiʻi County beach parks. The rule protects park users, the environment, and wildlife. Violations can result in criminal charges. Community members are encouraged to review county park rules before visiting and to report violations to the non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
Hawaiʻi Police Department officers honored by Aloha Exchange Club
Three officers were recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi on Thursday, July 30, for outstanding service, leadership, and dedication. Honorees were also named Officers of the Month for the second quarter of 2026: Officer Edward Petrie for April, Sergeant Matthew Lewis for May, and Officer Calvin Furtado for June.
Petrie, a four-and-a-half-year department veteran assigned to the Puna District since 2023, was honored for investigative work in a theft and fraudulent credit card case. Following a report of a stolen credit card at a Puna restaurant, Petrie tracked fraudulent transactions at Hilo businesses, reviewed surveillance video, and worked with businesses and investigators. His work led to a suspect’s identification and arrest, and the suspect was later charged with multiple offenses.
Lewis, a 19-year veteran and Puna patrol sergeant, was recognized for leadership during a dangerous domestic violence incident on May 4, 2026. An armed suspect assaulted his girlfriend, chased her vehicle with occupants including a 15-month-old child, issued threats, and fired a handgun at the vehicle. Lewis coordinated the response, developed a tactical plan, and directed officers to safely take the suspect into custody while ensuring he received immediate medical care for a serious arm injury.
Furtado, a six-year veteran recently assigned to the Hilo Community Policing Section, was recognized for proactive work that helped interrupt a rash of vehicle break-ins in Hilo. During the first week of June, 19 vehicles were burglarized, affecting 13 residents. While on proactive patrol in Waiākea on June 5, Furtado spotted a vehicle matching a description tied to the break-ins and coordinated a traffic stop. Two juveniles were arrested and two others identified, and property believed tied to the burglaries was recovered.
It was the second time this year Furtado earned Officer of the Month honors from the Aloha Exchange Club. He was previously recognized in January 2026 for enforcement that led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a suspect on multiple felony drug and theft charges.
“These officers represent the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service that we expect from the men and women of the Hawaiʻi Police Department,” said Police Chief Reed Mahuna.
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