Det. John Kari with Hawaiʻi Police Department honored for exceptional work during child exploitation case

Det. John Kari with the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Area II Juvenile Aid Section was honored July 23 with the Hāweo Award during a ceremony at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo.

The Hāweo Award honors Hawaiʻi Police Department employees who demonstrate exceptional performance, professionalism and dedication to serving the community.

Kari is a 13-year veteran of the department who has served with the Area II Juvenile Aid Section for the past 4 years, where he earned a reputation as a dedicated investigator committed to protecting children and supporting victims of crime.

He received the award for exceptional investigative work and dedication during a complex and time-sensitive child exploitation investigation that began Oct. 31, 2025, involving an man who allegedly traveled from Canada to Hawaiʻi after communicating online with a minor through a popular gaming platform.

Kari recognized the urgency of the situation and thought the suspect intended to leave the island on the next available flight, so he worked into the evening to preserve evidence and establish probable cause.

He coordinated the following day with law enforcement partners at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, where the suspect was located while attempting to board a departing flight. Kari responded immediately and took the suspect into custody without incident.

The detective continued his investigation by obtaining and executing multiple search warrants for digital communications and electronic evidence. He also conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of the digital evidence, which played a significant role in advancing the investigation.

A Hawaiʻi County grand jury eventually indicted the suspect on charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree promoting child abuse and third-degree promoting child abuse.

“Detective Kari’s professionalism, determination and attention to detail exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement,” said Area II Juvenile Aid Lt. Brandon Mansur in a department release. “His ability to quickly assess a rapidly evolving situation, coordinate with partner agencies and conduct a thorough investigation helped protect a vulnerable child and demonstrates the outstanding work our detectives perform every day.”

Child exploitation investigations often involve rapidly developing circumstances that require investigators to make critical decisions while preserving evidence and safeguarding victims. Kari’s swift response, meticulous investigative efforts and commitment to justice were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

Kari’s actions reflect the department’s core values of integrity, teamwork, compassion and service while exemplifying its mission to protect and serve the people of Hawaiʻi Island.