Valera honored during 9th annual Mahalo First Responders Ceremony in Waimea

Hawai‘i Police Department is proud to announce that Capt. Roylen Valera was recently honored during the 9th annual Mahalo First Responders Ceremony in Waimea.

A full audience of his fellow first responders from around Hawai‘i Island watched as Valera accepted a Certificate of Recognition from Hawai‘i County Council and received a Certificate of Honor from the Hawai‘i Senate, presented by Big Island state Sen. Herbert “Tim” Richards.

His nearly 30 years with Hawai‘i Police Department have been exemplary, with Valera again and again showing off his longstanding commitment to public safety, community partnerships and youth outreach.

“I have worked with Capt. Valera for many years and he represents an outstanding example of the kind of leader we can all look up to, fully engaged and responsive to his community,” said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna in a release about Valera’s honors. “Roy’s life is truly dedicated to public service, and I am very proud of him and this well-deserved recognition.”

Valera began his service as a patrol officer in North Kohala and Hāmākua, later serving as a school resource officer and sergeant of the Kona Community Policing Section, where he strengthened community engagement efforts.

He went on to serve as a detective with the department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section and the Juvenile Aid Section, working diligently to support victims and advance major investigations.

Valera later returned to Hāmākua as a patrol lieutenant before graduating in 2021 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, one of the nation’s premier law enforcement leadership programs.

He is now district commander in South Kohala, where he continues to lead with professionalism, compassion and integrity.

Valera throughout his career has earned multiple awards and accolades — including being named Officer of the Month by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i and receiving the Champion and Protector’s Award from the East Hawai‘i Children’s Justice Center — reflecting his dedication to serving Hawai‘i Island’s keiki, ‘ohana and communities.

“Capt. Valera serves as an example of excellence for all who wear the badge,” said South Kohala Community Police Officer Justin Cabanting in the release. “We are lucky to have such a dedicated, hardworking professional on our team.”