Kaua‘i detective named a Hawai‘i TOP COP

Kaua‘i Police Department Detective Hanson Hsu was recently honored during the 40th annual TOP COP Hawai‘i Awards in Honolulu.

The award — presented since 1984 — is the state’s highest distinction for law enforcement, commending officers who demonstrate extraordinary courage, skill and dedication to keeping their communities safe.

Hsu is a veteran investigator with Kaua‘i Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. He is known for his methodical case work, relentless pursuit of justice and leadership qualities.

Whether leading major crime investigations or supporting his colleagues behind the scenes, he brings a calm, focused presence and positive attitude to every assignment.

Hsu also fills some of the department’s most specialized and high-risk roles, going above and beyond his investigative duties.

He is one of two certified bomb technicians serving Kaua‘i Police Department. He also serves with the Hawai‘i Inter-Island Bomb Squad, helping safely recover and neutralize explosives throughout the state.

Additionally, Hsu is a longtime member of Garden Island police department’s Special Response Team, trained to handle challenging operations.

Hsu was deployed in June to Hawai‘i Island to support a multi-agency investigation involving a stockpile of illegal weapons, explosives and a methamphetamine conversion lab.

Working alongside federal and local bomb technicians, he helped safely recover pipe bombs and other volatile materials such as powders and chemicals commonly used to make homemade bombs.

This exemplifies the complex — and often unseen — work Hsu takes on as part of his commitment to keeping the community safe.

“Detective Hsu is the kind of officer every community hopes for,” said Kaua‘i Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki in a release about Hsu’s award. “Highly skilled, humble and always putting others first. We’re incredibly proud to see him recognized as one of Hawai‘i’s Top Cops.”