The Hawai‘i Police Department recently celebrated two of its finest from the Ka‘ū District, honoring Officer Augustine “Augie” Akiu Jr. as the "Ka‘ū Officer of the Year" and Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos as "Ka‘ū Top Enforcer" at a ceremony on December 7, 2024, in Nā‘ālehu, such recognitions echo the forms of accolades like Officer of the Month and Officer of the Quarter given elsewhere across the island, instituted to appreciate the commitment and integrity of officers over the course of a year.
Officer Akiu Jr., who has walked the beat in Ka‘ū for all of his 34-year service, was selected for the Officer of the Year award by his fellow district officers, cementing a bond with his hometown honed over a lifetime of care and duty, he boasts the respect and affection of his community, with Lieutenant Pernell Hanoa stating, “He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him,” and his profound ties to the local people rendering him, in their eyes, beyond replacement, according to Hawai‘i Police Department.
In juxtaposition, Officer Kosinski-Santos embodies the energy of a newer generation, with six years in service since 2021, she alone holds the mantle of "Top Enforcer" for two consecutive years, drawing commendations for her relentless commitment to securing the district's roadways and epitomizing the vigor necessary for safeguarding public welfare; Captain Edwin Buyten remarked in a statement obtained by Hawai‘i Police Department, “I have not seen an officer with more energy and self-motivation than Officer Kosinski-Santos,” lauding her passion and drive.
Commending the officers, Captain Buyten emphasized the core mission of public safety, acknowledging the essential nature of these individuals to the department's success and the cooperative spirit of the Ka‘ū community, whose support and understanding have been imperative; he expressed gratitude, saying, “Our primary mission is public safety and without officers like these, we would not be able to achieve this mission. I also know that our goals would be difficult to attain if not for the support of the community,” according to Hawai‘i Police Department.
Throughout the celebration of these honorees, the photographs released encapsulate the camaraderie and respect shared amongst the officers; with images featuring Lieutenant Hanoa, Officer Akiu Jr., and Captain Buyten, and another with Lieutenant Hanoa, Officer Kosinski-Santos, presenting the faces of those dedicated to the ethos of “aloha” that defines their community service. These images reflect the solidarity and commitment that have become the hallmark of the Ka‘ū District police force.
