Three Police Officers Honored by Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi

Three Hawaiʻi Police Department officers were recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi for their thorough and unwavering investigative work and heartfelt service to the community during the third quarter of 2026.

Hilo Patrol Officer Xylon Takata, Hilo Community Policing Officer Christopher Barto, and Puna Patrol Officer Taylor Cruz were honored during a luncheon in Hilo on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Takata was recognized as the July Officer of the Month, Barto as the August Officer of the Month, and Cruz as the September Officer of the Month.

July 2026: Hilo Patrol Officer Xylon Takata

Officer Takata, a six-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his detailed investigative work following the theft of three generators in July from a retail business and repair shop in downtown Hilo.

Canvassing nearby businesses for surveillance footage, Takata identified a suspect and documented how two generators were removed from the secured property. In addition, Officer Takata contacted the owners of the stolen generators, obtaining documentation establishing their ownership and value. After continuing his efforts to locate the suspect, Takata found him the following morning. The suspect fled on a skateboard, prompting a brief foot pursuit before responding officers assisted in taking him into custody.

The suspect was charged with second-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree theft. The investigation into a second suspect remains ongoing. Officer Takata’s thorough and proactive approach was instrumental in the successful resolution of this case. His efforts in this investigation reflect his commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting the residents and businesses of Hilo.

August 2026: Hilo Community Policing Officer Christopher Barto

Officer Barto, an 11-year veteran of the department, has been with the South Hilo Community Policing Section for about a year. He was recognized for his proactive enforcement efforts and commitment to improving public safety in the Hilo district.

During July and August, Barto arrested five individuals for various offenses, including warrant violations and property crimes. His work included helping investigate the theft of a trailer and portable toilet from a downtown Hilo construction site, apprehending a woman with an outstanding warrant, and locating a suspect wanted in connection with a burglary. Barto also led efforts to address trespassing and safety concerns at senior housing on Kamana Street, helping restore residents’ sense of security.

In addition to his enforcement work, Officer Barto coordinated Area I’s (East Hawai‘i) first ever Fill-a-Cruiser event in partnership with The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank, and K-Big FM to support residents affected by Hurricane Lala. The event collected 3,256 pounds of food and $3,579 in monetary donations.

Officer Barto’s proactive policing style shows his dedication to public safety, and the events he plans and coordinates demonstrate his commitment to improving our community.

September 2026: Puna Patrol Officer Taylor Cruz

Officer Cruz, a six-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his work with the Area I Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), where he has helped investigate complex crimes and apprehend high-priority targets.

Since being temporarily assigned to CRU, Officer Cruz  has been instrumental in investigations involving serious offenses and the recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms, and illegal narcotics. During his first year with CRU, he arrested 49 high-priority targets for offenses ranging from felony property crimes to murder. He also prepared and obtained 18 search warrants and 19 arrest warrants connected to high-level investigations.

In one investigation, Cruz took on multiple burglary cases in the South Hilo and Puna districts. Through detailed follow-up, he identified a suspect, obtained an arrest warrant, and located and arrested the individual. The suspect confessed to multiple burglaries, including offenses not initially linked to him, and later pleaded guilty to the burglaries.

Officer Cruz’s determination to bring suspects to justice and his unwavering work drive, is a true testament and fine example of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s core values.