Koyanagi Named Kohala Officer of the Quarter

Hawai’i Police Department Officer Thomas Koyanagi has been named “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” by the Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association.

Koyanagi, a South Kohala patrol officer, was honored during a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9. His honor was attributed to overall performance, as well as his efforts in a traffic stop that led to two arrests and the recovery of an assortment of illegal drugs.

As Koyanagi was conducting traffic enforcement on Oct. 12, he witnessed a driver talking on a cell phone while driving along Kawaihae Road. While conducting the traffic stop, he smelled what was believed to be the odor of marijuana from the passenger compartment. It was at that point that he saw a plastic bag with a crystalline substance fall from the driver’s passport.

The driver and the passenger, who was wanted on a $2,000 bench warrant, were both arrested.

Police recovered 3.91 grams of crystal methamphetamine, .09 grams of black tar heroin, 431.88 grams of marijuana, 12 Schedule III prescription pills, and paraphernalia associated with the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

It was noted by Sergeant Charles Adams that in addition to the October incident, Koyanagi has investigated more criminal, traffic, and miscellaneous public investigations than any other officer in the district and that he is one of South Kohala’s highest traffic enforcers.

The “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” program is made possible through the Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professional Association, which is an organization of hotel and airport security managers and visitor industry professionals. The program is an opportunity to recognize outstanding officers from the North Kohala and South Kohala districts.