HONOLULU — Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Officer Roxanne Montalbo, whose community policing work has helped families, kūpuna and people experiencing homelessness find shelter and support, has been named Hawaiʻi’s first recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice Hometown Hero Award.
Montalbo was honored July 14 for her professionalism, leadership and compassion through her work in community policing, youth mentorship and proactive problem-solving.
“I am very grateful to receive this prestigious award,” said Officer Montalbo, who joined HPD in January 2020.
Montalbo is assigned to the District 8 Community Policing Team, which serves Leeward Oʻahu communities from ʻEwa and Kapolei through Waiʻanae and Mākaha to Kaʻena Point. She was nominated for the award by HPD Acting Assistant Chief Gail Beckley.
“Officer Montalbo’s ability to balance enforcement, outreach and community engagement has significantly strengthened relationships between the Honolulu Police Department and communities throughout District 8,” Beckley said. “She approaches every aspect of policing with a strong sense of compassion and service while consistently connecting people in need with available resources.”
Montalbo’s work extends beyond a traditional law enforcement response. In 2025, she coordinated 33 community events, including school presentation, career days, safety briefings and Coffee with a Cop gatherings.
She regularly reached out to people experiencing homelessness and, through patience, communication and persistence, has helped many people in District 8 accept shelter and other supportive services.
In one case, Montalbo helped enroll a 12-year-old boy in a school after learning he had never attended. She worked with the child’s mother and Kapolei Middle School, supported him through the transition and continued checking on his progress. School counselors later reported that he was thriving, making friends and succeeding in his new environment.
During the Kona Low storm, Montalbo encountered a young mother and her 3-year-old child living on the beach who were at risk. She went in on her day off to help them enter a shelter. She also provided clothing and necessities and continued supporting the family by connecting them with community and faith-based resources.
Montalbo also works closely with Safe and Sound Westside, accompanying outreach personnel into areas where people are living unsheltered in Waiʻanae. She helps outreach workers build relationships with those in need and assists families, particularly those with children, in connecting with housing and support services.
She makes a special effort to help kūpuna experiencing homelessness, demonstrating patience and empathy as they transition into emergency shelters and supportive programs.
“Officer Montalbo is an exceptional example of the difference the Honolulu Police Department can make in the lives of the people we serve,” Chief David Lazar said. “Her deep community connections and unwavering dedication have helped improve the quality of life for people throughout District 8. We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for recognizing her compassionate service and selecting her as Hawaiʻi’s first Hometown Hero.”
The Hometown Hero Award was created as part of the Freedom 250 initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The nationwide program recognizes extraordinary service and meaningful contributions to local communities. Each of the 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices was asked to select a recipient from its district. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson selected Montalbo as Hawaiʻi’s inaugural honoree.
