Nacino Named ‘Officer of the Month’

Kona Patrol Officer Chandler Nacino has been named “Officer of the Month” for June by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee. He was honored at a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, June 3 at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.

The honor follows Officer Nacino’s investigation of gunshots being fired in Kailua-Kona last November.

Officer Nacino was driving north on Kuakini Highway near Akoni Drive on Nov. 18 when he heard three gunshots in the area.

Following his own observation, Officer Nacino learned that Dispatch received several reports of gunshots being heard in the Kamehameha Highway III area, in the Keauhou Shopping Center, and the Kona Country Club golf course.

As Officer Nacino began to investigate, he discovered a bullet hole in a street sign.

With two additional patrol officers, Officer Nacino checked a side street, Kaleiopapa Street, where a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was located. As they began to approach the truck, a rifle case was seen in the truck’s bed.

Officer Nacino had three men who were occupants of the truck exit the vehicle. The smell of gunpowder was then detected and a rifle, used bullet casings, and a bullet magazine were seen in the truck.

Officers arrested the driver for drunk driving and a firearm offense. The investigation was routed to detectives, who later found four additional bullet holes in the area.

“Due to the dedication that Officer Nacino demonstrated on the night of the shooting, I believe he prevented further destruction to property and possible loss of life,” Sergeant David Araki wrote in nomination papers. “We are fortunate that Officer Nacino patrols our streets and calls Kona his home.”

Now that Officer Nacino has received the honor of “Officer of the Month,” he is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”

Encouraging community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawai’i is the goal of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee.