Kona Crime Prevention Committee celebrates 40 years with Officer of the Year luncheon

Law enforcement officials with the Kona Crime Prevention Committee are inviting the public to attend the 40th annual Officer of the Year luncheon on Sept. 10.

This year, the annual luncheon will recognize the most outstanding Officer of the Month honorees from the past year, celebrating their service, integrity and commitment to the community.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee will recognize the following honorees:

July 2024: Andrew Walters was honored for his dogged persistence and attention to detail during his investigating of an eight-car traffic collision in South Kona that injured five people.

August 2024: Charles Caldwell-Kaʻai was recognized after he arrested a wanted criminal with outstanding warrants. He also received the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Officials Association (HSLEOA) Officer of the Year award for 2020 for his outstanding efforts to reduce crime in his community.

October 2024: Eli Dominic Cayetano was recognized for his tenacious dedication in a burglary that led to the arrest of the suspect.

December 2024: Ryan Barrett was recognized for his diligent efforts on a complicated fraud investigation in June 2024. Barrett positively identified the suspect and made an arrest for the fraudulent use of a credit card.

January 2025: Tyler Meno is being recognized after extinguishing a vehicle fire in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Kona and positively identifying the suspect, leading to the arrest.

February 2025: Elijah Won is being honored for his investigative expertise during a drug investigation last autumn. A six-year veteran of the department, this is the eighth time being nominated.

March 2025: Dylan Chaves is being honored for his empathy, compassion, and dedication displayed while pursuing a domestic violence investigation. saved her from a toxic, life-threatening relationship that was rapidly escalating.

April 2025: Kyle Murray is being recognized for his sharp investigative instincts and persistence in solving a theft case. His determination ensured a suspect who might have otherwise evaded justice was held accountable.

May 2025: Rylan Fujii is being honored for his strong investigative skills and commendable initiative in leading to the arrest of a suspect involved in a series of financial crimes.

June 2025: Joshua Stender is being honored for his quick thinking, composure, and compassion during a violent assault investigation where he showcased his ability to manage a volatile situation with calm authority.

One of the Officers of the Month will be selected as the Officer of the Year.

The officer’s distinction reflects not only remarkable skills but also an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the island. The luncheon will provide the public with the opportunity to ask questions and learn about safety programs.

The event will be held at the Royal Kona Resort, Aliʻi Surf Room, 75-5852 Ali‘i Dr. in Kailua-Kona from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Door opens at 11 a.m. Individuals interested in attending can make reservations online. The committee requests people RSVP and pay by Aug. 27. The cost ranges from $65 prepaid for members to $90 for non-members at the door.