South Kohala Patrol Officer Kelena Kealoha was named Officer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2025 by the Hawai‘i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association. The recognition took place during a ceremony in Kona on June 20. Officer Kealoha was nominated by Sergeant Anson Caceres. During the event, it was stated, "Since transferring from Kona Patrol to South Kohala Patrol, Officer Kealoha has gone above and beyond the expectations of his position on several occasions to investigate, arrest, and charge suspects," according to the Hawaii Police Department.
A law enforcement officer responded to a trespassing call on February 28. At the scene, Officer Kealoha arrested a suspect for theft and property damage. On March 1, he linked the incident to a separate theft from a nearby vehicle. Using a search warrant, Kealoha gathered evidence that led to charges against the same individual. His work was later recognized by Hawai‘i Island Safety and Security Professionals Association, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
A suspect arrested by Officer Kealoha is facing several charges, including burglary, criminal tampering, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, multiple counts of theft, and three additional offenses sent to the Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office. Bail was set at $27,400. Sergeant Caceres said, “His commitment to duty makes Hawai‘i Island a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business,” as stated by the Hawaii Police Department.
