Officer Koyanagi Named ‘Kohala Officer of the Quarter’

Hawaiʻi Island Security and Safety Professionals Association board member William King presents a ‘Kohala Officer of the Quarter’ award to Officer Thomas Koyanagi. HPD photo.

Officer Thomas Koyanagi, a 14-year Hawai’i Police Department veteran, was recently named “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” by the Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association.

The honor is for the October through December quarter.

Assigned to the South Kohala District, Officer Koyanagi was honored for arresting a convicted felon who was in possession of two firearms and ammunition.

The incident occurred just after midnight on Oct. 9, 2015. Office Koyanagi observed a suspicious van parked near a restaurant as he was en route to a report of a loud party. After returning to the vehicle, a man was found inside. Another officer was making contact with the man when Officer Koyanagi saw the end of a rifle barrel hidden under the man’s jacket.

Officer Koyanagi immediately warned the other officer about the weapon, instructed the suspect to exit the van, and arrested him.

As part of the investigation, Officer Koyanagi recovered a rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition. It was also determined that the suspect was a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

In total, the suspect was charged with seven offenses and had his bail set at $51,000.

Sergeant Calvin Delaries nominated Officer Koyanagi for the honor, noting that his “proactive Community Policing techniques and his decisive action during the incident have made Waimea a safer place to live, visit, and conduct business.”

The Hawai’i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association’s “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” program recognizes outstanding officers in the North Kohala and South Kohala Districts. The association is comprised of hotel and airport security managers and visitor industry professionals.