Hawaiʻi Police Department
Office of the Chief
Chief Harry S. Kubojiri
Phone: 961-2244
Michael Collings
Media Release
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Kona Patrol Officer Michael Collings as “Officer of the Month” for November in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday (November 2) at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.
Collings was honored for detaining a drunk driver who had tried to run away after a traffic crash.
On June 17, Collings was off duty when he came upon a traffic accident between a car and a pickup truck on King Kamehameha III Road. He stopped to see if the drivers needed medical attention. The driver of the car had only minor injuries. The driver of the truck smelled of alcohol and had red, watery, glassy eyes.
When Collings returned to his car to notify dispatchers about the accident, the driver of the truck began running down the highway. Collings immediately drove after the man, blocked him with his vehicle and then held him until a uniformed officer arrived.
The driver of the truck was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Sergeant David Araki, who nominated Collings for the honor, said the officer “displayed an unwavering dedication and determination to our community.”
As “Officer of the Month,” Collings is eligible for “Officer of the Year.”
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaiʻi.