Three Kaua‘i police officers were recognized as Employees of the Month for May during the Kaua’i Police Commission meeting on May 22 for their investigative work involving a fatal hit-and-run crash in Līhuʻe.
Sgt. Shawn Hanna, Officer Joseph Himongala, and Officer Tyler Henshaw of KPD’s Traffic Safety Section responded to the incident on Feb. 12, 2025, after a pedestrian, later identified as Kailon Tyndzik, 30, of Wailua, was fatally struck on Nāwiliwili Road near Nokekula Street.
The officers followed “key investigative leads” that helped develop and confirm critical information in the case, allowing them to quickly identify the driver the next day on Feb. 13, 2025, according to a news release from Kaua‘i County.
Salvin Hilario, 54, with no permanent address, was identified as the hit-and-run driver and arrested. He is currently awaiting trial on charges of second-degree negligent homicide and collisions involving death or serious bodily injury.
“The actions of Sgt. Hanna, Officer Himongala, and Officer Henshaw exemplify the professional standards, values, and practices of KPD,” said Chief Rudy Tai. “They not only fulfilled the expectations of their professional duties but also remained empathetic and compassionate towards the victim’s family during a very difficult time.”
