The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) recognized officers, civilian personnel, and community partners for their exceptional service, dedication, and contributions to public safety during its Spring 2026 Chief’s Awards ceremony held today at Mission Memorial Auditorium.
The ceremony celebrated individuals and teams whose actions went above and beyond their regular duties, from courageous rescues and lifesaving efforts to outstanding investigative work and support for youth programs.
“Every day, our members do important work, often without recognition,” said HPD Chief David Lazar. “But sometimes, circumstances call for individuals to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. Today, we recognize those who have answered that call. I’m incredibly proud of their dedication and grateful for everything they do for our department and our community.”
The following individuals and teams were recognized:
Spring 2026 Chief’s Officer Award
Detective Dorian A. Soto
Assigned to the District 4 Burglary/Theft Detail, Detective Soto closed 26 of his 60 assigned cases during the first half of 2026. His investigative work included cases involving elderly victims of theft and financial exploitation, one of which was adopted by federal authorities for prosecution. He also regularly volunteers to assist patrol operations.
Spring 2026 Chief’s Civilian Employee Award
Kimberly K. Lee
A Police Communications Officer II, Lee processed more than 530 requests for emergency communications recordings from January through June 2026. She also helped organize and participate in 23 recruitment and community events to promote careers in emergency communications.
Spring 2026 Chief’s Section Award
FBI Interagency Task Group (FIIATG)
The task group, consisting of members of HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division and District 3 Crime Reduction Unit, worked alongside federal law enforcement agencies to investigate violent drug trafficking organizations. Their efforts contributed to the federal indictment and arrest of 10 principal members of a criminal organization, along with the seizure of firearms and narcotics. The team also provided critical assistance during the March 2026 Kona Low storms and flooding.
The following personnel were recognized:
Narcotics/Vice Division HI-IMPACT Task Force
- Detective David K. Hosea
- Detective Mark C. Tom
- Corporal Reuben I. Felipe
- Corporal Blake E. Hottendorf
- Officer Brandon J. Collins
- Officer Chanel F. Carvalho
Narcotics/Vice Division DEA Task Force
- Corporal Tyler K. Maalo
District 3 Crime Reduction Unit
- Sergeant Daniel A. Del Toro
- Corporal Kevin K. W. Lau
- Corporal Bruce K. K. Kim
- Officer Daniel R. Meredith
- Officer Russel A. Botelho Jr.
- Officer Timothy J. Brown
- Officer Eric A. Castro
- Officer Tiedemann J. Misiki
- Officer Keoni M. Earll
- Officer Hubert L. Barboza Jr.
Warrior Silver Medal of Valor
Sergeant Jonathan D. Frye
While off duty on June 24, 2026, Sergeant Frye noticed a fire at his neighbor’s home and rushed inside after receiving no response at the door. He located an adult and three children, directed them to safety, and re-entered the burning structure to search for additional occupants despite extreme heat and smoke.
Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor
Officer Tyler H.K. Kaio
During the March 2026 Kona Low storms, Officer Kaio entered a flood-threatened home on Kamehameha Highway to help rescue a man and four young children. Working with another officer and two emergency medical technicians, he helped evacuate the family shortly before the home collapsed.
Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor
Corporal Gordon F. Gomes Jr.
On February 26, 2026, Corporal Gomes noticed smoke and flames coming from a vehicle on Likelike Highway. He immediately helped an elderly couple escape the vehicle, which became engulfed in flames just seconds later.
Certificate of Merit
Officer William M. Takvorian
On March 19, 2026, Officer Takvorian responded to an attempted murder involving a critically injured victim with multiple stab wounds. He immediately administered lifesaving first aid, controlling severe bleeding and addressing other potentially fatal injuries until Honolulu Fire Department personnel arrived.
Certificate of Merit
Officer Kenric K. M. Pai
On April 13, 2026, Officer Pai provided lifesaving assistance to a fellow officer who suffered a severe heat-related medical emergency during training. He administered first aid and stabilized the officer until emergency medical personnel arrived, ultimately helping save the officer’s life.
Civilian Certificate of Merit
Darryl Shinogi and Randy Bangloy
The two executive chefs from Roy’s Ko Olina were recognized for their contributions to the Weed and Seed Hawaiʻi Culinary Arts Summer Program, which provides young people with valuable culinary and life skills. Shinogi has volunteered with the program for 14 years, mentoring more than 250 youth, while Bangloy stepped in during 2026 to ensure the program continued serving students.
The livestream from the event can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/live/hF8yoVGW9B0?feature=share