Officer Landon Takenishi was recognized as Officer of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2024 by the Hawaiʻi Island Safety and Security Professionals Association (HISSPA).

A 12-year veteran of the department, Takenishi is certified as a Drug Recognition Expert and has received specialized training to detect signs of impairment in drivers who may have used substances other than alcohol.

Recently, while on one of his many patrols of the Waikoloa community, Officer Takenishi  checked on a suspicious vehicle parked at the Kamakoa Nui Park while it was closed. Upon observing several people in the car with opened liquor containers and drug paraphernalia inside, the items were recovered as evidence as part of his investigation. By his actions, Officer Takenishi’s observation skills and initiative prevented this driver from using substances and driving, which may have created danger to everyone else on the road.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Police Department