Excellence in Action: KPD Honors Employees of the Month
LĪHU‘E – Several Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) employees were honored as Employees of the Month for October, November, and December during this month’s Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting.
Officers Kevin Kamakahi and Branden Barroga
Officer Kevin Kamakahi and Officer Branden Barroga were recognized as Employees of the Month for October 2025 for their outstanding investigative work and dedication to public safety.
On August 1, 2025, Officer Kamakahi responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the Līhu‘e area. Through witness interviews, officers identified a suspect and later located the vehicle abandoned at the base of a 60-foot cliff. The following day, Officer Kamakahi, Officer Barroga, and Līhu‘e patrol officers located the suspect inside another vehicle in a residential area. The suspect was safely detained without incident, and officers recovered a loaded firearm and illicit drugs from the individual.
A subsequent search warrant executed by Officer Barroga resulted in the recovery of additional narcotics, ammunition, and evidence connected to multiple felony cases. Through their proactive and coordinated efforts, Officers Kamakahi and Barroga were able to establish the suspect’s involvement in other investigations and prevent further distribution of illegal drugs and firearms in the community.
Public Safety Workers Ernest Ganiron and Ronald Aceret
Public Safety Workers Ernest Ganiron and Ronald Aceret were recognized as Employees of the Month for November 2025 for their exceptional professionalism and devotion to serving others. Public Safety Workers oversee the wellbeing and safety of individuals held in KPD Cellblock, ensuring a secure environment while managing the day-to-day needs of those in custody.
On October 21, 2025, a member of the public reached out to express gratitude for the support received from Public Safety Workers Ganiron and Aceret during a challenging period. The individual reported having achieved sobriety, gained employment, and secured stable housing, attributing these positive changes to the encouragement provided by Public Safety Workers Ganiron and Aceret.
Through intentional care and empathy, Public Safety Workers Ganiron and Aceret exemplify the profound impact their role has within public safety, guiding those they serve toward meaningful, lasting change.
Officer Desmond Thain
Officer Desmond Thain was recognized as Employee of the Month for December 2025 for his investigative excellence and proactive service.
In a recent case, Officer Thain’s observations led to the seizure of a vehicle containing a loaded firearm, ammunition, and illicit drugs. In another investigation, he successfully resolved a complex credit card fraud case spanning multiple locations, resulting in the suspect’s arrest. Additionally, he has played an important role in maintaining the safety of Kaua‘i’s roadways by conducting over 20 arrests for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant so far this year. Last year, Officer Thain was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for his critical role in reducing injuries and fatalities caused by drunk and drugged driving, demonstrating his consistent and proactive efforts to enhance roadway safety.
“These recognitions reflect the kind of work our employees do every day,” said Chief Kalani Ke. “Often serving in challenging circumstances, much of the work they do goes unseen. Whether it’s recovering illegal firearms or caring for those in crisis, I am incredibly proud of their dedication and say mahalo to the families whose support makes their service to our community possible.”
Ready to make a real difference in your community? The Kaua‘i Police Department is hiring police officers, dispatchers, public safety workers, and other civil service positions. Officer salaries range from $76,000 to over $118,000, with a robust benefits package. To qualify for officer roles, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, be at least 20 years old, and have no misdemeanor, felony, or domestic violence convictions. Visit joinkauaipd.com for details and to apply.
From left to right: Public Safety Worker Ronald Aceret, Officer Branden Barroga, Chief Kalani Ke, Officer Desmond Thain, Officer Kevin Kamakahi, Public Safety Worker Ernest Ganiron.
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