Kaua‘i Police Department honors officers, public safety staff for service

Līhu‘e, Several Kaua‘i Police Department employees were honored as Employees of the Month for October, November, and December during the Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting on December 26, 2025. The awards recognized frontline work that led to arrests, recovered weapons and narcotics, and direct support that helped a member of the public achieve sobriety and housing stability.

Officers Kevin Kamakahi and Branden Barroga were named Employees of the Month for October for investigative work that began with a reported stolen vehicle on August 1, 2025 in the Līhu‘e area. Officers located the abandoned vehicle at the base of a 60 foot cliff. The following day Officer Kamakahi, Officer Barroga, and Līhu‘e patrol officers detained a suspect found inside another vehicle in a residential neighborhood without incident. Officers recovered a loaded firearm and illicit drugs from the individual. A search warrant later executed by Officer Barroga produced additional narcotics, ammunition, and evidence tied to multiple felony cases, helping to establish the suspect’s involvement in other investigations and to prevent further distribution of illegal drugs and firearms within the community.

Public Safety Workers Ernest Ganiron and Ronald Aceret were honored for November for their day to day care of people held in the KPD cellblock and for documented support that produced measurable change. On October 21, 2025 a member of the public reached out to express gratitude, saying they achieved sobriety, found employment, and secured stable housing after encouragement from Ganiron and Aceret. Their work underscores how custody staff can play a meaningful role in rehabilitation and community stability.

Officer Desmond Thain received the December recognition for a string of investigative outcomes. His observations led to seizure of a vehicle with a loaded firearm, ammunition, and illicit drugs. He resolved a complex multi location credit card fraud case that resulted in an arrest, and he has conducted more than 20 arrests for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant so far this year. Last year he was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for contributions to reducing injuries and fatalities on Kaua‘i roadways.

“These recognitions reflect the kind of work our employees do every day,” said Chief Kalani Ke. “Often serving in challenging circumstances, much of the work they do goes unseen. Whether it’s recovering illegal firearms or caring for those in crisis, I am incredibly proud of their dedication and say mahalo to the families whose support makes their service to our community possible.”

The department is actively recruiting for police officers, dispatchers, public safety workers, and other civil service positions. Officer salaries range from $76,000 to over $118,000 and include a robust benefits package. Basic qualifications for officer roles include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, minimum age 20, and no misdemeanor, felony, or domestic violence convictions. More information and applications are available at joinkauaipd.com.