Officer of the Month: Stephen Kishimoto

by Hawaii County Police

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Officer Stephen Kishimoto as “Officer of the Month” for April in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday (April 3) at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.

Kishimoto was honored for his successful investigation of a burglary.

On December 26, he was assigned to investigate a residential burglary. He found that the burglar had entered the house by breaking glass in an entry door. Blood found inside indicated that the burglar had been cut by the glass.

Through his investigation, Kishimoto developed a suspect and went to that person’s home. He was able to link the suspect to the crime because of a cut on the suspect’s arm as well as a stolen item from the burglary and blood stains found in the suspect’s car during execution of a search warrant. Further investigation resulted in enough evidence to charge the suspect with burglary.

Sergeant Grad Elarionoff, who nominated Kishimoto for the award, noted that the officer has been with the Police Department for less than four years. He said Kishimoto’s calm demeanor, maturity, patience and excellent work ethic make him an example for others to follow.

As “Officer of the Month,” Kishimoto is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaiʻi.