Driving change: KPD officers recognized for protecting Kaua‘i’s roads
Published on June 28, 2024
LĪHUʻE – This week, four officers from the Kaua‘i Police Department were honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for their critical role in significantly reducing impaired driving incidents.
For 40 years, MADD Hawai‘i has been dedicated to putting a stop to impaired driving, helping victims, and preventing underage drinking. This year marks the return of MADD’s award ceremonies to acknowledge the contributions of law enforcement officers, an event that has been on hiatus since 2019.
On Wednesday, Jun. 26, Officer Tyler Henshaw, Officer Alexander Lacson, Officer Desmond Thain, and Officer Shawn Hanna were recognized for their exceptional dedication to reducing injuries and fatalities caused by drunk and drugged driving. In 2023, these officers collectively conducted 79 arrests for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (OVUII). An intoxicant can be alcohol or drugs.
Each officer has significantly enhanced the safety of Kaua‘i’s roadways through their invaluable contributions.
"Each impaired driving arrest an officer makes represents a life saved. Our commitment to enforcing traffic laws isn't about citations—it's about protecting families and preventing tragedies,” Police Chief Todd Raybuck emphasized. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to every officer here for your exceptional commitment. Your actions on the road are crucial in keeping Kaua‘i’s families safe."
Two of the four traffic fatalities that have occurred so far in 2024 involved impaired driving. Keeping the road safe is a shared responsibility that relies heavily on the collaboration between law enforcement and the community. By choosing to obey traffic laws, reporting unsafe drivers or road conditions, and consistently practicing safe driving habits, you can help to safeguard lives.
Ready to make a difference and take your role in community safety to the next level? Recruitment for the force is ongoing. The salary for a police officer ranges from approximately $72,000 to over $118,000 and includes a robust benefit package. Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license and a minimum age of 20 years. Applicants should not have any misdemeanor, felony or domestic violence convictions. Find out more by visiting our recruitment website at https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Police-Department/Recruitment.
Officer Alexander Lacson, Officer Tyler Henshaw, Officer Shawn Hanna, and Officer Desmond Thain were recognized for their exceptional commitment to keeping Kaua‘i’s roads safe.
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