Two first responders awarded for dedication to public safety, outstanding leadership

Two first responders were honored for their exemplary initiative and outstanding leadership in 2025 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi during a ceremony last Saturday.

Every year, the Aloha Exchange Club works closely with the Hawaiʻi Police Department police chief and the Hawaiʻi Fire Department fire chief, as well as the Hawaiʻi County Police and Fire Commissions, to select the top first responder for the year.

For 2025, the club honored Puna Patrol Officer Dallas Arce as Officer of the Year and recognized Hawaiʻi Fire Department Battalion Chief Kaʻāina Keawe as Firefighter of the Year.

“I want to sincerely thank Officer Dallas Arce and Battalion Chief Kaʻāina Keawe for their remarkable service to our island,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “We are deeply grateful for their commitment to the safety of our residents and the well-being of their colleagues.”

A five-year veteran of the department, Arce was first honored with an “Officer of the Month” award in March 2025 for his work on an investigation that led to the arrest of a woman charged with 39 criminal property offenses, including 31 Class C felonies and eight petty misdemeanors.

In September 2025, he was once again honored for his quick thinking in two separate incidents, including his response to a domestic disturbance that resulted in the arrest of a violent, intoxicated suspect and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics.

Most recently, Arce was honored for multiple investigations in December. In one case, he investigated a vehicle break-in in Pāhoa, identified a suspect through video surveillance review and coordinated the suspect’s arrest.

Later that same month, he led officers in locating and safely arresting a long-wanted fugitive hiding beneath a structure on Old Kalapana Road. Days afterward, Arce responded to a domestic disturbance involving a firearm in Kurtistown, where his calm communication and de-escalation skills helped resolve the volatile situation and safely detain the suspect.

“Officer Arce consistently demonstrates initiative and leadership, whether he is mentoring newer officers or pursuing complex investigations,” said Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “He takes ownership of his cases from start to finish and approaches every call for service with professionalism, determination and a strong commitment to protecting our community.”

Keawe began his career with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department in 2006 and currently serves in Operations, Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi. He is exceptionally well-rounded, having served across multiple disciplines, including rescue and hazardous materials, before being promoted to Fire Captain and later Battalion Chief.

Late last year, recognizing the seriousness of a downtown Hilo structure fire, Keawe responded from the west side while off duty to relieve crews who had worked through the night, an example of the steady leadership he demonstrates every day.

Throughout his career, Keawe has strengthened the department both operationally and professionally. He served during the 2018 Leilani Estates eruption, one of the most complex incidents our department has faced. He later spearheaded leadership development opportunities with nationally recognized fire service leader Frank Viscuso.

Keawe has also helped bring forward high-rise training opportunities for our personnel, served on internal committees supporting department initiatives, and worked directly with vendors to introduce fire-resistive duty T-shirts to improve firefighter safety and practicality in the field.

“From managing complex emergencies to managing individuals, Chief Keawe leads by example every day,” said Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe. “He pushes himself to make sure the men and women under his command have everything they need to save life and property and isn’t afraid to put his gear on and train right alongside them. He truly embodies what it means to be a professional firefighter.”

“He’s the guy I would call if I were in trouble,” added Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Carvalho.

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi actively organizes and participates in various meaningful service projects and fundraising events. Every quarter, they recognize police officers for each of the three months for their accomplishments to make our community a safer place to live, work and play.