The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) held a ceremony to recognize recipients of its Fall 2019 awards today at Alapai headquarters. The ceremony had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specialized Services Division (SSD) Corporal Malo Torres and K9 Zero were each presented with the Warrior Silver Medal of Valor. In June 2018, SSD officers responded to a North Shore home where a male armed with a knife was barricaded. The male was acting erratically and threatening neighbors and responding officers. After hours of negotiations, the suspect refused to cooperate and chemical munitions were deployed. He then became more aggressive and agitated and exited his residence armed with a compound bow. K9 Zero was deployed and the suspect retreated back inside. Corporal Torres entered the home and saw the suspect repeatedly stabbing Zero with an arrow. Corporal Torres ordered the male to put down the weapon, he did not comply. When other officers approached the suspect, he used the arrow to make stabbing motions toward them. They continued to give verbal commands, but the suspect did not comply. The suspect then took the arrow, pulled it back using the bow, and pointed it at the officers. In response, Corporal Torres fired multiple shots, striking the suspect. The suspect was taken to the hospital where he later expired. The heroic actions taken by the officers and Zero showed tremendous bravery and prevented the suspect from causing harm to others in the community.

SSD Sergeant Paul Nobriga, Corporal Pete Jones, Officer Vance Leong, and K9 Hunter were each presented with the Warrior Silver Medal of Valor, and Corporal David Politsch Jr. and Officer Garret Rivers were presented with the Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor. In July 2018, patrol officers attempted to serve a temporary restraining order to a male at his Nanakuli residence. As officers approached, the male suspect brandished a shotgun. When it was learned that the male was a convicted felon and in unlawful possession of a firearm, SSD officers were deployed to the scene. After several hours of negotiations, a robot was deployed and located the suspect in a storage room. After trying to unsuccessfully disable the robot’s camera, the suspect stood in storage room doorway armed with a shotgun. Officers gave numerous commands to drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply. The suspect then pointed the gun at Corporal Jones. Fearing for his life, Corporal Jones discharged his firearm, striking the suspect and causing him to fall back. The suspect returned fire, striking Corporal Jones in the leg. Throughout the gunfire, K9 Hunter remained at Corporal Jones’ side. The suspect then took aim at Officer Leong, who discharged his firearm along with Sergeant Nobriga. Officers rendered first aid to the suspect but were unsuccessful. The officers and Hunter went above and beyond the call of duty, risking their lives to protect one another and the community. Their bravery and quick actions prevented the suspect from harming others.

District 3 (Pearl City/Waipahu) Corporal Garrett Maekawa was presented with the Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor for apprehending an armed arson suspect. In February 2019, the male suspect confronted his estranged wife at her workplace and left before officers arrived. Later that day, the suspect returned to the business, demanded to see his estranged wife, and discharged a firearm. The suspect then poured flammable liquid on the floor, ignited a fire, and fled the scene. Later that evening, Corporal Maekawa located the suspect and ordered him to surrender. The suspect did not comply and pointed a firearm at Corporal Maekawa. Fearing for his life, Corporal Maekawa shot the male multiple times. Nearby officers disarmed the suspect and Corporal Maekawa rendered aid until paramedics arrived. Corporal Maekawa’s quick actions stopped the suspect from causing further harm others, and ultimately saved his life.

District 7 (East Honolulu) Officer Darren Ozaki was presented with the Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor for preventing a male from jumping onto the freeway. In October 2019, Officer Ozaki responded to a call involving a distraught male sitting on the Isenberg Street overpass railing. Officer Ozaki approached the male, who then climbed over the railing. Fearing for the male’s safety, Officer Ozaki grabbed the male’s arm. With the assistance of other officers, Officer Ozaki was able to bring the male to safety. Officer Ozaki’s heroic actions and selflessness speak to his strength of character, courage, and determination.

District 4 (Windward Oahu) Corporal John Zeuzheim and Officer Samuel Walker were presented with the Warrior Bronze Medal of Valor for preventing a distraught male from jumping off the H-3 Freeway overpass. In September 2019, several individuals called 911 stating that a male was staring at the traffic below. Upon arrival, Officer Walker observed a male, who appeared to be crying, holding on to the concrete ledge. Shortly after, Corporal Zeuzheim arrived to the scene and approached the male as Officer Walker continued to talk to him. When the male appeared to let go of the railing, Corporal Zeuzheim rushed forward and grabbed the male’s arm while Officer Walker grabbed his other arm. Together, the officers pulled the male over the railing to safety. Corporal Zeuzheim and Officer Walker’s quick thinking and brave actions saved the male’s life and prevented harm to the motorists below.

District 6 (Waikiki) Lieutenant Gregory Kinoshita was named Officer of the Quarter. At the time, Sergeant Kinoshita served as the acting administrative lieutenant and was in charge of the district’s bicycle team, Fourth Watch officers, Community Policing Team, and administrative officer. With numerous parades and events taking place in Waikiki, Lieutenant Kinoshita teamed up with various organizations to work out logistics, while keeping residents and visitors safe. Some of the events include the Aloha Aina Unity March, Hawaii Visitors’ Industry Charity Walk, annual flotilla at Waikiki Beach, and Halloween. Lieutenant Kinoshita’s hard work and dedication made him an essential part of the district’s operations.

The Criminal Investigation Division’s (CID) Cyber-Crimes Unit was named Unit of the Quarter. The unit is tasked with investigating cyber-crime cases and processing forensic digital evidence, and assists state and federal agencies with forensic computer collection, recovery, processing, preservation, analysis, storage, maintenance, and presentation in court of digital evidence. In 2019, the unit handled more than 750 cases, conferring more than 200 cases with the Prosecuting Attorney and U.S. Attorney’s offices. The unit also obtained approximately 135 search warrants and completed more than 260 forensic examinations of electronic devices. With the growing number of online crimes, the Cyber-Crimes Unit continues to use their technical expertise to serve and protect the public.

Ms. Josie Dela Cruz of the Communications Division was named Employee of the Quarter. With more than 30 years of service, Ms. Dela Cruz continues to work diligently as a Police Communications Officer II. While the job often includes difficult tasks and stressful situations, Ms. Dela Cruz continues to cultivate a positive, can-do environment. Whether it’s coordinating a potluck on holidays or celebrating personnel retirements, Ms. Dela Cruz continues to show appreciation for others. Ms. Dela Cruz is always looking to make operations more efficient and serves as a shop steward with the Hawaii Government Employees Association. Her hard work and dedication make her a valuable member of the department.