Three Officers Honored By Kona Crime Prevention Committee For Outstanding Work

Three Hawai‘i Police Department officers were honored for their exceptional professionalism, dedication, and service to the community by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) in the past three months. Officer Kyle Murray was honored as Officer of the Month for April 2025, Officer Rylan Fujii for May 2025, and Officer Joshua “Kaipo” Stender for June 2025.

Officer Kyle Murray

Officer Murray was honored for his sharp investigative instincts and persistence in solving a theft case. On November 20, 2024, he responded to a report of a stolen backpack, credit card, and identification. After reviewing surveillance footage, he actively searched the Kailua-Kona area and contacted a man whose appearance partially matched the suspect description.

Although there was not enough evidence to detain the suspect at that time, Officer Murray trusted his instincts and remained alert. Hours later, he learned the victim’s card was used fraudulently. Confirming through surveillance that the same suspect was responsible, Officer Murray resumed area checks and located and arrested the individual.

His determination ensured a suspect who might have otherwise evaded justice was held accountable.

Officer Rylan Fujii

Officer Fujii was recognized for his investigative skills and willingness to embrace new challenges, which led to the arrest of a suspect in a series of financial crimes. Assigned to a fraudulent credit card use case on November 25, 2024, Officer Fujii coordinated extensive follow-ups, reviewed surveillance, and connected the theft of the victim’s bag to multiple unauthorized credit card transactions.

Although he had never drafted a warrant of arrest before, Officer Fujii took the initiative to draft the arrest warrant himself, proactively learning the process and completing the warrant during his shift while continuing to handle his patrol responsibilities. Working with a detective, he was able to get the warrant approved and the suspect was subsequently arrested. The suspect went on to be charged with 12 felony and misdemeanor offenses, including identity theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Officer Fujii’s initiative, hard work, and commitment exemplify the department’s core values of integrity and professionalism.

Officer Joshua “Kaipo” Stender

Officer Stender was honored for his quick thinking, composure, and compassion during a violent assault investigation. On April 24, 2025, Officer Stender responded to a report of a 75-year-old woman attacked with a knife by a nude male suspect. Arriving in the area, Officer Stender located and safely detained the suspect, who appeared to be in a mental health crisis.

He then entered the victim’s residence, where he found the injured woman with a serious laceration. Officer Stender immediately summoned medical aid, secured the scene, and conducted a thorough investigation that revealed the suspect had forced entry, armed himself with a knife, and assaulted the victim and her granddaughter before fleeing. Due to Officer Stender’s decisive actions, the suspect was arrested and charged with burglary, assault, and other felony offenses.

His empathy, professionalism, and dedication to protecting the community embody the highest standards of law enforcement.

Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz commended all three officers for their outstanding work and commitment to serving Hawai‘i Island with honor and integrity.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that supports the Hawai‘i Police Department in West Hawai‘i. Every month the committee recognizes a police officer for their outstanding accomplishments and from the monthly honorees, selects an officer of the year.

For more information on the Kona Crime Prevention Committee, please visit www.konacrimeprevention.org or contact the Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Section.