Ka‘u officers recognized by HPD
![](https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_Jenna-Kosinski-Santos-150x150.jpg)
![](https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/web1_Augustine-Akiu-150x150.jpg)
The Hawaii Police Department announced that two Ka‘u officers were recognized last month as 2024 “Ka‘u Officer of the Year” and “Ka‘u Top Enforcer.”
Officer Augustine “Augie” Akiu Jr. received the Officer of the Year award, and Officer Jenna Kosinski-Santos received the Top Enforcer award during a ceremony Dec. 7 in Naalehu.
ADVERTISING
The Ka‘u District awards were launched in 2023 to recognize officers that have displayed an outstanding work ethic and character throughout the year.
The Ka‘u Officer of the Year award is determined by a vote of all officers in the district.
This year, Akiu, a lifelong resident of Ka‘u, was nominated by his peers as the district’s Officer of the Year. Akiu has served his entire 34-year career with HPD in the Ka‘u community.
“He is loved and respected by everyone that knows him,” said Lt. Pernell Hanoa. “His kindness and his deep connection with the Ka‘u community have made him irreplaceable.”
Added Capt. Edwin Buyten, “Officer Akiu is an experienced professional and a true ambassador of the aloha spirit.”
For the second consecutive year, Kosinski-Santos, also a lifelong resident of Ka‘u, was nominated as the district’s “Top Enforcer.” A six-year veteran of the department, Kosinski-Santos has served the Ka‘u community since 2021.
“I have not seen an officer with more energy and self-motivation than Officer Kosinski-Santos,” said Hanoa.
“Officer Kosinski-Santos is passionate about ensuring our roads are safe for all motorists,” said Buyten.