Video courtesy Hawaii County Police Department | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored Big Island law enforcement in Hilo on Thursday, June 9th.

Eight Hawaii County Police officers were recognized at a luncheon ceremony at Encore restaurant for their efforts in arresting motorists for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

These officers, listed here next to the corresponding number of DUI arrests they each made in 2010, were given certificates of appreciation.

• Officer Andres Fojas, Traffic Enforcement Unit, 86
• Officer Clarence Davies, Traffic Enforcement Unit, 78
• Officer Josh Lewis, Traffic Enforcement Unit, 80
• Officer Erhard Autrata Jr.,South Hilo Patrol, 60
• Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison, South Hilo Patrol, 30
• Officer James Waiamau, Puna District, 32
• Officer Joshua Dumont, South Kohala District, 12
• Officer Sharon Yoon, Kona Patrol, 21

Mayor Billy Kenoi was on hand to offer thanks. “Everybody grumbles when they get busted,” he said, “but everybody’s grateful when somebody ends up safe.”

MADD also honored Captain Samuel Kawamoto, commander of Kona Patrol, for heading the unit with the largest number of DUI arrests. Sixty officers under his command contributed to 492 arrests in 2010.

MADD also honored Deputy Prosecutor Mitch Roth, Retired Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura, and HPD Traffic Safety Coordinator Dieter Blattler for their support.