Officer Barto awarded the Hāweo Award for investigative work and public safety action

A South Hilo patrol officer has been recognized for his role in defusing a potentially dangerous situation and advancing public safety efforts on Hawai’i Island.

Officer Christopher Barto, a 10-year veteran of the force, received the Hāweo Award during a ceremony on April 8 at the Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo, the Hawaiʻi Island police said.

Barto was honored for his proactive policing and investigative work.

He was temporarily assigned to the department’s South Hilo Community Policing Section in July 2025 in recognition of his performance and initiative. In October 2025, Barto led an investigation after county employees reported receiving 282 threatening phone calls over a three-hour period.

Authorities said the calls raised concerns about escalating behavior and potential risks to public safety.

During the investigation, Barto identified a pattern of confrontational interactions involving the suspect and confirmed the presence of multiple registered firearms linked to the individual and an associate.

Hawai’i police said Barto pursued a harassment complaint and sought both a temporary and a one-year gun violence protective order — a legal measure rarely used by the department. The court granted the orders, leading to the seizure of firearms and restricting access pending further legal review and a mental health evaluation.

“Officer Barto’s actions demonstrated exceptional initiative, sound judgment and a proactive approach to public safety,” Hawai’i Police Chief Reed Mahuna said.

“His efforts helped protect county employees, the broader community, and the suspect’s family by mitigating a potentially dangerous situation before it could escalate. His hard work reflects the highest standards of public service, and we are very proud of him.”

Officials added that Barto continued to manage the case through court proceedings, ensuring the weapons remained secured while efforts to locate the suspect continued.