Three Kaua‘i police officers recognized during Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Officials Association

At its 67th annual conference last month at Waikōloa on Hawai‘i Island, the Hawai‘i State Law Enforcement Officials Association named three personnel with the Kaua‘i Police Department as Officer of the Year recipients.

“Every day, our police officers make great sacrifices in service to our community,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “I am proud to honor each of the Officers of the Year who have gone above the call of duty to save a life, conduct proactive drug investigations, and perform focused policing efforts that have made our neighborhoods safer.”

The following KPD officers were honored:

• Officer Jason Scalzo, 2021 Officer of the Year
• Officer Kalani Apilado, 2022 Officer of the Year
• Lt. Philip Banquel, 2023 Officer of the Year

The conference, last held in Maui, has been on hold since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, Raybuck, installed at this year’s conference, will serve as president of the association.

“I look forward to the opportunity to host next year’s Officers of the Year award ceremony here on Kaua‘i to celebrate and honor the distinguished work of our law enforcement officers from across the state and federal partners,” Raybuck said.

The Hawai’i State Law Enforcement Officials Association has a long history of collaboration between agencies, starting with a conference in 1946. They’ve been honoring Officers of the Year since 1982.