HPD Officer Recognized for His Response in Assisting Disoriented Woman in Hāmākua

Officer Ivan Alatan was recognized as Officer of the Month in May for his response in helping a woman in Hāmākua.

Alatan, an eight-year veteran of Hawai‘i Police Department stationed in Hāmākua, responded to the May incident after receiving reports of a disoriented woman wandering into commercial and residential properties, possibly under the influence of unknown substances.

Once he determined the area where she was last seen, Alatan walked into weeds, mud, and brush searching for the woman and “did not give up until he found her.”

“Despite the woman being uncooperative and yelling at him, Officer Alatan kept a professional composure and talked to the woman in a calm voice to let her know she was safe,” HPD states. “His actions possibly prevented her from injuring herself or becoming further disoriented in the tall brush.”

According to police, Alatan was able to track down the womanʼs family on the mainland and determined that she had suffered a brain injury a few months earlier after arriving on the island for a visit.

“Officer Alatan was compassionate in assisting the family in her return (to) the mainland,” HPD states.

His actions were recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month for May 2021 during a ceremony at the Hāmākua Police Station on July 28, 2021.