Hilo's very own Hāmākua Patrol Officer Kaleb Caves has been awarded the esteemed Haweo Award for his remarkable efforts in recovering stolen property in his first solo months on the force. According to the department's statement made public yesterday, the recognition took place in the Hawai‘i County Council chambers on December 18, 2024, celebrating Caves' quick adaptability and success in solving property crimes.
Less than two weeks into his solo patrol, Officer Caves dove headfirst into a case involving a woman’s vehicle unlawfully withheld by her ex-boyfriend. The suspect's record held two outstanding bench warrants totaling $15,000, and though he proved elusive at first, Caves' tenacity led to an arrest and the rightful return of the vehicle. Interestingly, the victim chose not to pursue prosecution, but Officer Caves ensured that the results of his investigation were forwarded to the County Prosecutor’s Office.
Another notable achievement came on October 30, 2024 when Officer Caves, while on patrol in Honoka‘a Town, spotted and subsequently recovered a stolen white Toyota Tundra. Consulting with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section, he played a crucial role in obtaining and executing a search warrant, unveiling clues that linked the truck to other thefts, including an ATV rack pertinent to a prior case on October 13, 2024. The sharp observations by Caves regarding tire tread patterns further connected the truck to additional theft investigations.
The Hawaii Police Department has heralded Officer Caves for exemplifying the department’s core values, specifically integrity, professionalism, compassion, teamwork, and community satisfaction.
