Ka‘ū Top Enforcer and Officer of the Year Honored

The Hawai‘i Police Department is pleased to announce that two Ka‘ū District officers were recently recognized as 2024 “Ka‘ū Officer of the Year” and “Ka‘ū Top Enforcer”. Officer Augustine “Augie” Akiu Jr. received the Officer of the Year award and Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos received the Top Enforcer award during a ceremony on December 7, 2024, in Nā‘ālehu.

Similar to Officer of the Month and Officer of the Quarter awards issued by various organizations in other parts of the island, the Ka‘ū District awards were launched in 2023  to recognize officers that have displayed an outstanding work ethic and character throughout the year.

The Ka‘ū Officer of the Year award is determined by a vote of all officers in the district. This year, Officer Augustine “Augie” Akiu Jr., a lifelong resident of Ka‘ū, was nominated by his peers as the district’s Officer of the Year. Officer Akiu Jr. has served  his entire 34-year career with the Hawai‘i Police Department in the Ka‘ū community.

“He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him,” said Lieutenant Hanoa. “His kindness and his deep connection with the Ka‘ū community have made him irreplaceable.

“Officer Akiu Jr. is an experienced professional and a true ambassador of the aloha spirit,” added Captain Edwin Buyten.

For the second consecutive year, Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos, also a lifelong resident of Ka‘ū, was nominated as the district’s “Top Enforcer”. A six-year veteran of the department, Officer Kosinski-Santos has served the Ka‘ū community since 2021.

“I have not seen an officer with more energy and self-motivation than Officer Kosinski-Santos,” said Lieutenant Hanoa.

“Officer Kosinski-Santos is passionate about ensuring our roads are safe for all motorists,” added Captain Buyten. “I am proud of these officers.”

Captain Buyten went on to say, “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. Therefore, I also want to take this time to thank the Ka‘ū community for the aloha that you have shown us. Your generosity, patience, and understanding have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.”