Two Kauaʻi Police Department officers recently received the 2026 Law Enforcement Recognition Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaiʻi.
Officers Desmond Thain and Kalani Scanlan received the award in honor of their commitment to preventing impaired driving through enforcement and education that helps save lives and keep roadways safe.
Thain since joining the police department in 2020 has demonstrated a strong commitment to impaired driving enforcement. He made 66 operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant arrests during the past 4 years, including 24 in 2025.
He has also issued 317 warnings, using each interaction as an opportunity to educate drivers and encourage safer choices.
Scanlan began his service in 2023 with the department. He has made an impact through his proactive approach to traffic safety, making 11 operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant arrests, including 7 this year, while conducting numerous traffic stops to promote responsible driving choices and reinforce the importance of safe decisions behind the wheel.
“Preventing crashes and ensuring everyone makes it home safely is at the heart of what our officers do,” said Kauaʻi Police Chief Rudy Tai in a release about the awards. “Officer Thain and Officer Scanlan have demonstrated that every conversation with a driver is an opportunity to intervene, encourage safer choices and help prevent a decision that could have life-changing consequences.”
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaiʻi spent more than 40 years working to eliminate impaired driving, support victims and survivors and advocate for safer roads through education, policy and community partnerships.
Kaua‘i Police Department reminds everyone that preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and never drive while impaired.
