Two Kona police officers were recognized this month for their actions in the line of duty. The Kona Crime Prevention Committee named Hawaiʻi Police Department FTO Alysa Gamache and Officer Kastle Quiocho Officers of the Month for December 2025, citing their professionalism and teamwork during a disruptive incident earlier this year.
In the early hours of June 29, shouting and fighting drew officers to a grocery store parking lot on Henry Street, where 20 to 30 people were involved in a brawl. Officers Gamache and Quiocho, along with backup units, separated those involved and de-escalated the situation, allowing investigators to determine the disturbance stemmed from an ongoing dispute among several participants.
Officers also received information that a firearm was inside a vehicle at the scene. A search revealed a gun under the driver’s seat, leading Officer Quiocho and FTO Gamache to arrest the vehicle’s occupants and tow the car to Kona Police Station for further investigation.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched the vehicle and recovered a small-caliber revolver. The occupants were charged with firearm-related offenses. Officials said the officers’ actions helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
Despite being in field training, Officer Quiocho demonstrated poise and attention to detail under pressure, while FTO Alysa Gamache provided guidance focused on safe policing practices. Kona Patrol Sgt. Len Hamakado, who nominated the pair, praised their professionalism and teamwork, saying their actions reflected the department’s core values. The officers are now candidates for the 2026 Officer of the Year.
