HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF
LAWRENCE K. MAHUNA
PHONE: 961-2244
DECEMBER 1, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

The Aloha Exchange Club of Hilo recognized Puna Patrol Officer David Abelaye as “Officer of the Month” for September and Vice Officer Kenneth Quiocho as “Officer of the Month” for October in a luncheon ceremony Thursday.

Abelaye was recognized for his performance while investigating the theft of a wallet from a home in Keaau on September 14, 2006. As the result of his investigation, two individuals were charged with 15 offenses relating to burglary, theft, fraudulent use of credit cards and identity theft.

At the recognition ceremony at Uncle Billy’s in Hilo on Thursday, Abelaye thanked his supervisors and the Exchange Club for the honor but said the other officers he works with work just as hard as he does.

Quiocho, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was recognized for his role in dismantling a major drug and burglary organization in Hamakua. Quiocho developed information that led to the arrest of seven people for 19 drug, nine firearm and four burglary charges. Two of those arrested were also arrested on federal charges.

As East Hawaii Officer of the Month, Abelaye and Quiocho are now eligible for Officer of the Year.

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

# # #