Hometown Heroes: Officer honored for commitment, dedication to the community

For his outstanding investigative skills, exceptional information sharing, and commitment to providing the highest quality of police service, Officer Robert Sakata was recognized by the Hawaii Island Security and Safety Professionals Association as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q2 2021 during a ceremony on July 9 in Kona.

His dedication to the community was demonstrated earlier this year during an investigation of a reported burglary at a Waimea residence.

Responding to a call of a burglary in-progress in February, Officer Sakata first ensured that the scene was safe.

He determined that the suspect fled after being interrupted by the return of the homeowners. Officer Sakata methodically and thoroughly documented the crime scene. In the course of his investigation, he noticed that clues pointed toward a suspect that may have been unsheltered and seeking alcoholic beverages. Based on that theory, and a physical description of the suspect, Officer Sakata interviewed other potential witnesses. Those interviews yielded a partial name for the suspect that Officer Sakata shared with his fellow officers.

The case was assigned to detectives who were able to further develop the information gathered by Officer Sakata and later identify, arrest, and charge the suspect with the crime.

Officer Sakata is noted by his supervisors to display a strong commitment to working cooperatively with the community to enforce laws, preserve peace, and provide a safe environment for all. Through his efforts, the South Kohala district remains a safe place to visit, live and conduct business.