Officer Christopher Barto Recognized Honored with Hāweo Award

For his outstanding commitment to community safety and proactive policing, South Hilo Patrol Officer Christopher Barto was honored with the Hāweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

A 10-year veteran of the department, Officer Barto is known for his strong work ethic, investigative skill, and dedication to duty. In recognition of his performance and initiative, he was temporarily reassigned to the South Hilo Community Policing Section in July 2025.

In October 2025, Officer Barto led an investigation after county employees reported receiving 282 threatening phone calls from an individual over a three-hour period. The repeated calls caused significant concern among staff. Through a thorough investigation, Barto identified a pattern of escalating behavior, prior combative interactions with law enforcement, and the presence of multiple firearms registered to the suspect and an associate.

Recognizing the potential risk to public safety, Officer Barto initiated a harassment complaint and pursued both an Ex Parte Temporary Gun Violence Protective Order and a One-Year Gun Violence Protective Order, marking only the second time the Hawai‘i Police Department had utilized this legal process. His detailed documentation and clear articulation of risk factors led to the court granting the orders, resulting in the confiscation of firearms and preventing further access pending court review and a mental health evaluation.

Despite the complexity and rarity of the process, Officer Barto independently navigated the legal requirements and remained actively involved throughout subsequent court proceedings. His persistence ensured the firearms remained secured while efforts continued to locate the suspect and address ongoing safety concerns.

“Officer Barto’s actions demonstrated exceptional initiative, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to public safety,” said Chief Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “His efforts helped protect county employees, the broader community, and the suspect’s family by mitigating a potentially dangerous situation before it could escalate. His hard work reflects the highest standards of public service and we are very proud of him.”