Aloha Exchange Club Honors Three Hawaiʻi Police Officers for East Hawaiʻi Service

Officers Ashton Gomes, Shaneil Azevedo and Dallas Arce, all assigned to the Puna District, were honored by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi during a luncheon in Hilo on Jan. 29, 2026 for separate incidents that occurred between October and December 2025. The monthly Officer of the Month recognitions cover October, November and December 2025 respectively and acknowledge frontline actions that interrupted crimes and secured suspects.

The Aloha Exchange Club names one Officer of the Month in Area I each month, with supervisors from Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo and Puna submitting nominations. Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna, commenting on past honorees, said, “Each of these officers represents the professionalism, courage, and compassion that define our department. Their initiative and dedication, both on and off duty, reflect the true spirit of public service and the difference that one determined officer can make in the lives of others.”

Officer Ashton Gomes was recognized as the October 2025 Officer of the Month after responding to a burglary in progress on Oct. 8, 2025. Gomes was first on scene, detained one suspect as he exited the residence carrying stolen property, and through follow-up investigation, surveillance review and coordination with the Criminal Investigation Section identified and located a second suspect, arresting him three days later. Gomes has two years of service with the department.

Officer Shaneil Azevedo was honored as the November 2025 Officer of the Month for actions during a Nov. 19, 2025 road-rage incident in which a driver was brandishing a handgun. After finishing her shift and while driving home, Azevedo observed the vehicle described on dispatch, attempted a traffic stop, and chased a fleeing suspect who collided with another vehicle before attempting to run. Azevedo drew her service weapon and issued commands that prompted the armed suspect to comply until additional officers arrived. Azevedo is described as a two-year veteran.

Officer Dallas Arce received December 2025 recognition for multiple responses including leading officers to locate and arrest a long-wanted fugitive hiding under a structure on Old Kalapana Road and resolving a Kurtistown domestic disturbance involving a firearm through calm communication and de-escalation. Arce was also honored earlier in 2025; HPD materials note a March 2025 case that led to a woman being arrested and charged with 39 criminal property offenses, including 31 Class C felonies and 8 petty misdemeanors, and list Arce among Q3 2025 honorees as well.

As Officers of the Month, Gomes, Azevedo and Arce are eligible for consideration for the Aloha Exchange Club’s Officer of the Year award. For public safety contacts or to provide anonymous tips, the Hawaiʻi Police Department lists its Office of the Chief at (808) 961-2244, non-emergency at (808) 935-3311, emergency 911, and the island-wide Crime Stoppers line at 961-8300, with potential rewards up to $1,000 and confidential tip handling. The Hawaiʻi Police Department is located at 349 Kapiʻolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720.