HPD briefs for Aug. 13: Young anglers enjoy Keiki Fishing Day, police host Hilo beach clean up, Aloha Exchange Club honors officers

Young anglers make a splash at HI-PAL South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby

Adorned with fishing poles and smiling faces, 183 keiki participated in the 2026 South Kohala Keiki Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 25.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing Section hosted the fourth annual event at the Pua Ka’ilima ‘O Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park to bring young anglers and their families together for a morning of friendly competition and outdoor fun and community connection.

Keiki fished for two hours after which officers weighed and recorded each catch to determine the winners in six age divisions.

After the competition, keiki and their families enjoyed a complimentary lunch, which included a hydration station with cold water, fresh fruit, and nutritious snacks from New Hope Kawaihae and shave ice from DARE Hawai‘i.

Participants reeled in fish of many shapes and sizes, with several keiki preserving memories of their catches through Gyotaku prints made by Eddie Carvalho. Participants also participated in luck number drawings with exciting prizes distributed throughout the gathering.

Results

• Ages 1 to 5-years old: 1st – Lihau Fukuyama, 2nd – Hokulei Ching, 3rd – Ezven Meno
• Ages 6 to 7-years old: 1st – Eli Penny, 2nd – Crew Vaefaga, 3rd – Malakai Bustista
• Ages 8 to 9-years old: 1st – Kira Richards, 2nd – Grayson Bell, 3rd – Thea Caravalho
• Ages 10 to 11-years old: 1st – Ella Vaefaga, 2nd – Aumarie Morris, 3rd – Ilikai Perez
• Ages 12 to 13-years old: 1st – Logan Roberg, 2nd – Marcus Alcantara-Madrid, 3rd – Ryana Buatista
• Ages 14 and older: 1st – Na’i Rivera, 2nd – Carl Richards III, 3rd – Keola Thomas

“Seeing 183 keiki and their families come together made this year’s derby especially meaningful,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting “This fishing derby has grown [and] is about much more than fishing,” said South Kohala Community Policing Officer Justin Cabanting. “It gives us an opportunity to build relationships, create positive memories, and celebrate the strength of our community.”

For information about future community events or opportunities to participate, contact Officers Justin Cabanting of the South Kohala Community Policing Section at justin.cabanting@hawaiipolice.gov.

Hilo Community Policing officers conduct cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park

Despite heavy rain, officers with the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Hilo Community Policing Section conducted a clean up for Richardson Ocean Park in Keaukaha on Saturday, July 25.

During the clean-up, officers removed litter and debris and landscaped the grounds with a weed-eater and rake. They also observed signs that animals had been brought onto the park grounds.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department reminds the public that animals are prohibited at all Hawaiʻi County beach parks. This regulation helps protect the health and safety of park users, preserve the natural environment and wildlife, and ensure that shared public spaces remain enjoyable for everyone.

Violations of these county park rules can lead to criminal charges and community members are encouraged to review Hawaiʻi County park regulations before visiting and to report violations by calling the non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Three police officers were honored by Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi

Three Hawaiʻi Police Department officers were recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the Hawaiʻi Island community on Thursday, July 30.

The honorees include Officer Edward Petrie, Sergeant Matthew Lewis, and Officer Calvin Furtado, who were also recognized as the Officers of the Month for April, May and June, respectively.

Petrie, who has served with the department for four-and-a-half years and has been assigned to the Puna District since 2023, was recognized for his investigative work in a theft and fraudulent credit card case.

After a woman reported her credit card stolen from a Puna restaurant, Petrie followed up on fraudulent transactions that occurred at businesses in Hilo. His investigation, including the review of surveillance footage and coordination with businesses and investigators, led to the identification and arrest of a suspect who was subsequently charged with multiple offenses.

Lewis, a 19-year veteran of the department and Puna District patrol sergeant, was recognized for his leadership during a dangerous domestic violence incident on May 4, 2026, involving an armed suspect.

The suspect had assaulted his girlfriend, pursued her vehicle while other occupants, including a 15-month-old child, were inside, threatened the occupants, and fired a handgun at the vehicle.

Lewis coordinated the response, developed a tactical plan, and directed officers in safely taking the suspect into custody while also ensuring he received immediate medical attention for a serious arm injury.

Furtado, a six-year veteran who was recently assigned to the Hilo Community Policing Section, was recognized for his proactive work that helped disrupt a series of vehicle break-ins in the Hilo area.

During the first week of June, 19 vehicles were burglarized, affecting 13 residents. While conducting proactive patrols in the Waiākea area on June 5, Furtado recognized a vehicle that matched the description of one associated with the break-ins and coordinated a traffic stop.

The stop resulted in the arrest of two juveniles and the identification of two others, while property believed to be connected to the vehicle break-ins was also recovered.

This is the second time this year that Furtado has been named Officer of the Month by the Aloha Exchange Club. He was previously honored in January 2026 for his proactive enforcement efforts that led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a suspect on multiple felony drug and theft charges.

“These officers represent the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service that we expect from the men and women of the Hawaiʻi Police Department,” said Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “Each demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond, whether through careful investigative work, decisive leadership during a dangerous incident, or proactive policing that helped prevent additional victims.