Nāʻālehu, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Police Department has named Kaʻū Patrol Officer Taylor Au as Officer of the Quarter for Q2 2025. The two-year veteran was honored during a ceremony in Nāʻālehu on Monday, August 18, 2025, for his exceptional work ethic, initiative, and commitment to public safety.
Officer Au, a member of the department’s 98th recruit class, was recognized for two specific incidents that demonstrated his dedication.
On April 19, 2025, while investigating a suspicious vehicle report in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision, Officer Au located a suspect hiding in the brush. His diligence led to the discovery of a loaded, illegal firearm, which was subsequently removed from the community. The suspect was arrested and charged with multiple firearm-related offenses.
In a separate incident on May 5, 2025, Officer Au responded to a dropped 911 call near the 41.5-mile marker on Māmalahoa Highway in Pāhala. He encountered a man holding a box cutter to his wrist while speaking with the Veterans Crisis Line. Remaining calm, Officer Au established rapport with the individual and persuaded him to surrender the weapon, safely resolving a potentially life-threatening situation.
Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa praised Officer Au, stating, “Officer Taylor Au is a valued member of our division who continuously seeks to improve himself while making significant contributions to the safety and well-being of our community.”