Two Hilo Officers Awarded Police Cross

Two Hilo police officers have been awarded the Police Cross by Police Chief Harry Kubojiri.

The award ceremony last week was the result of both officers, Joshua Gouveia and Garrett Hatada, having sustained gunshot wounds while investigating reports of a firearm being discharged in the area of Kilauea Avenue in Hilo.

“During the presentation, Police Chief Harry S. Kubojiri remarked how one of Officer Gouveia’s first thoughts after getting shot was his concern for the safety of other officers at the scene,” the department said in a press release.

“Chief Kubojiri also related how Officer Hatada fired at the assailant in protection of others at the scene and did not mention his own gunshot wounds until several minutes later.”

The incident occurred at 7:44 p.m. on Jan. 2 when the officers responded to the scene near the Wailoa River.

While checking parked vehicles in the area, officers spotted a man hiding under a parked vehicle. When they approached him, the officers were fired upon and sustained gunshot injuries to their legs.

One of the officers was able to return fire.

Both have returned to duty.

The suspect, 31-year-old Keaka Martin of Hilo, fled on foot and was captured the next day.

Martin, who police said sustained a non-fatal wound when he shot himself in the chest as officers arrived at the Panaewa home where he was hiding, was charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, reckless endangering and various firearm offenses.

Martin, who is being held without bail, is currently scheduled for trial on Feb. 3.