Awards
The Hawaiʻi Police Department is grateful for the community organizations around Hawaiʻi Island that take the time and effort to honor the hard work and dedication of our officers throughout the year.
The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi honors a police officer in East Hawaiʻi as their Officer of the Month. Officers are nominated by their supervisors from the police districts in Area I, including Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo, and Puna. From the Officer of the Month winners, an Officer of the Year is selected and honored every March. The Kona Crime Prevention Committee honors a West Hawaiʻi Officer of the Month, and from this pool of monthly winners, selects an Officer of the Year every September.
2025
Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi
Dallas Arce
Officer
Officer Dallas Arce, a five-year veteran of the department, was recognized multiple times in 2025 for his investigative work and proactive policing. His cases included an investigation leading to the arrest of a suspect charged with 39 property-related offenses, as well as incidents involving the arrest of a violent domestic violence suspect and the seizure of narcotics. In December, Arce also investigated a vehicle break-in in Pāhoa that resulted in an arrest, helped locate a long-wanted fugitive, and safely resolved a domestic disturbance involving a firearm through de-escalation.
Hawaiʻi State Law Enforcement Officials Association (HSLEOA)
Amy Omaya
Sergeant
A 14-year veteran of the department, Sergeant Amy Omaya was honored for her exceptional investigative work and dedication to justice. Sergeant Omaya, who is widely respected for her determination, meticulous attention to detail, and compassion for victims and their families, was instrumental in solving two high-profile homicide cases on Hawai‘i Island. Both cases have been referred to the Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office for final disposition.
Kaʻū Patrol
Jenna Kosinski-Santos
Officer
A seven-year veteran of the department and a Kaʻū resident, Officer Kosinski-Santos has served the Kaʻū community as a police officer since 2021. Her supervisor’s note that Officer Kosinski-Santos is a productive officer who consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to traffic enforcement and crime suppression. In addition to being named Ka‘ū Officer of the Year, Officer Kosinski-Santos was named Kaʻū Top Enforcer for the third straight year.
Kona Crime Prevention Committee
Charles Caldwell-Kaai
Officer
Officer Charles Caldwell-Kaai was recognized for his thorough investigation skills, hard work ethic, and dedication to keeping the community safe. During an 18-hour shift in March 2024, he identified and apprehended a wanted suspect, leading to felony charges ranging from habitual property crime to identity theft. Later that same day, his quick observation of a stolen Jeep led to the arrest of a second suspect and charges for drug possession, mail theft, and credit card fraud. Officer Caldwell-Kaai has served with distinction throughout his five-year tenure with the department,.
Police Communications Officer Award
Cassie Fernandez
Supervising Police Communications Officer
Cassie Fernandez was heralded for her exceptional leadership and composure demonstrated during the March 13, 2025, officer-involved shooting and response, effectively coordinating emergency medical aid, field units, and high call volume under extreme pressure. Her calm command presence ensured clear communications and operational continuity during a critical life-threatening incident. Cassie’s performance highlights the vital role of dispatch personnel and exemplifies the professionalism and dedication that support officer and community safety.
Unsolved Homicides
Hawaiʻi Police Department believes every victim deserves justice, and that the deceased victim’s family, friends, and community deserve closure.
Please take a moment to review the Unsolved Homicides summaries and if you have any information pertaining to any of these cases, please submit a tip, email us or call our Unsolved Homicides Division at (808) 961-2380 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Thank you for your help!
