3 police officers honored by Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi Police Department officers Xylon Takata, Christopher Barto and Taylor Cruz were recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi for their investigative work and “heartfelt service” to the community during the third quarter of 2026, the club announced.

During a luncheon in Hilo on Oct. 22, Hilo Patrol Officer Takata was recognized as the July Officer of the Month, Hilo Community Policing Officer Barto as the August Officer of the Month and Puna Patrol Officer Cruz as the September Officer of the Month.

Takata, a six-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his detailed investigative work following the theft of three generators in July from a retail business and repair shop in downtown Hilo.

Canvassing nearby businesses for surveillance footage, Takata identified a suspect and documented how two generators were removed from the secured property. Takata contacted the owners of the stolen generators, obtaining documentation establishing their ownership and value. After continuing his efforts to locate the suspect, Takata found him the following morning. The suspect fled on a skateboard, prompting a brief foot pursuit before responding officers assisted in taking him into custody.

The suspect was charged with second-degree burglary and two counts of second-degree theft. The investigation into a second suspect remains ongoing. Takata’s thorough and proactive approach was instrumental in the successful resolution of this case.

Barto, an 11-year veteran of the department, has been with the South Hilo Community Policing Section for about a year. He was recognized for his proactive enforcement efforts and commitment to improving public safety in the Hilo district.

During July and August, Officer Barto arrested five individuals for various offenses, including warrant violations and property crimes. His work included helping investigate the theft of a trailer and portable toilet from a downtown Hilo construction site, apprehending a woman with an outstanding warrant, and locating a suspect wanted in connection with a burglary.

Barto also led efforts to address trespassing and safety concerns at senior housing on Kamana Street, helping restore residents’ sense of security.

In addition to his enforcement work, Barto coordinated Area I’s (East Hawai‘i) first ever Fill-a-Cruiser event in partnership with The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank and K-Big FM to support residents affected by Hurricane Lala. The event collected 3,256 pounds of food and $3,579 in monetary donations.

Cruz, a six-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his work with the Area I Crime Reduction Unit, where he has helped investigate complex crimes and apprehend high-priority targets.

Since being temporarily assigned to the unit, Cruz has been instrumental in investigations involving serious offenses and the recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms and illegal narcotics. During his first year with the unit, he arrested 49 high-priority targets for offenses ranging from felony property crimes to murder. He also prepared and obtained 18 search warrants and 19 arrest warrants connected to high-level investigations.

In one investigation, Cruz took on multiple burglary cases in the South Hilo and Puna districts. Through detailed follow-up, he identified a suspect, obtained an arrest warrant, and located and arrested the individual. The suspect confessed to multiple burglaries, including offenses not initially linked to him, and later pleaded guilty to the burglaries.