Hawai‘i Island police officer recognized as Ka‘ū District Officer of the Year and Top Enforcer

Hawai‘i Island Police Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos was recognized for a third year in a row as Ka‘ū District Officer of the Year and Top Enforcer.

A seven-year veteran of the department and a Kaʻū resident, Kosinski-Santos has served the Kaʻū community as a police officer since 2021.

The Ka‘ū Officer of the Year award is determined by a vote of all district officers. The Ka‘ū Top Enforcer award is presented to the officer who has shown the greatest initiative in enforcing traffic and criminal laws throughout the year based on statistical data, according to a press release from Hawai‘i Island police.

“Officer Kosinski-Santos is a productive officer who consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to traffic enforcement and crime suppression,” said Sgt. Darrell Clinton.

Kosinski-Santos was also named the district’s Officer of the Third Quarter 2025. In May 2022, she received the Hawaiʻi County Council Haweo award for rescuing an elderly man trapped in a vehicle.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee named her Officer of the Month in December 2020 for responding to a fatal traffic collision while off duty.

“Being able to serve the same community in which she grew up in gives her a sense of responsibility to do her utmost,” said Capt. Pernell Hanoa. “She remains focused and eager to better herself as a law enforcement officer.”

Hanoa also expressed appreciation for the Kaʻū community.

“We are only able to accomplish what we do because we serve and protect a district that understands our challenges and continues to support our efforts,” the captain said.