MADD salutes Big Island officers

Eight Big Island police officers were honored this week by Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawaii, in cooperation with Big Island Toyota, for their efforts and dedication this year to the fight against drunk and drugged driving.

Four East Hawaii officers were honored Monday at a luncheon at the Hilo Yacht Club.

They were Hamakua Patrol Officer Gregg Karonis for four DUI arrests, Puna Patrol Officer Bryson Miyose for 22 DUI arrests, South Hilo Patrol Officer Jacob Obermiller for 25 DUI arrests and Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit Officer Erhard Autrata for 43 DUI arrests.

On Tuesday, four West Hawaii officers were honored at a luncheon at Fumi’s Kitchen in Kailua-Kona. They were South Kohala Patrol Officer Severo Ines for five DUI arrests, Kona Patrol Officer Chandler Nacino for 12 DUI arrests, Kona Patrol Officer Adam Roberg for 21 DUI arrests and Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua for 24 DUI arrests.

This year, MADD-Hawaii, co-sponsored by Servco Pacific/Toyota Hawaii, reinstated its police recognition awards by saluting officers throughout the state for their efforts to reduce deaths and injuries on roadways from impaired drivers.