Media Release

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai’i recognized Detective Robert Fujitake on Thursday (October 22) as “Officer of the Month” for September.

Fujitake was honored during a luncheon ceremony at Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant in Hilo for catching a burglar in the act of breaking into a house while a painting project was under way. After the homeowner reported that items were missing from his house, Detective Fujitake set up surveillance and observed the painter climb up scaffolding and enter the house. Investigation revealed that the painter had broken into the house twice before and had removed items all three times. He was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree burglary and three counts of theft.

The man is no longer employed as a painter.

“Detective Fujitake’s quick action, planning and proactive response resulted in the apprehension of a burglar who had the means of victimizing more people,” said his supervisor, Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua. “His action also resulted in the return of all the victim’s stolen items.”

As “Officer of the Month,” Fujitake is eligible for “Officer of the Year.”

The East Hawaii “Officer of the Month” award is a project of the Aloha Exchange Club of Hilo.