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MADD Hawaiʻi Honors Outstanding Traffic Safety Leaders at 2026 Law Enforcement Recognition Event

On June 25, 2026, MADD Hawaiʻi proudly hosted our annual Law Enforcement Recognition (LER) event at the beautiful Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui. The afternoon brought together law enforcement professionals, community leaders, partners, victims, and supporters from across the state to recognize those who go above and beyond to keep Hawaiʻi’s roads safe.

Each year, MADD Hawaiʻi’s Law Enforcement Recognition event honors officers, deputies, and community partners whose dedication to impaired driving enforcement, traffic safety, and victim advocacy helps save lives. Their commitment serves as a powerful reminder that preventing impaired driving takes collaboration, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

This year’s program featured inspiring remarks from Mayor Richard Bissen, MADD Hawaiʻi Board Chair Antonio Williams, Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Deputy Director Robin Shishido, and victim speakers Andrea and Jerry Maniago, who courageously shared their family’s story and reminded attendees why this work matters.

The ceremony was expertly emceed by Miss Hawaiʻi Teen USA, Olivia Tom, and opened with the presentation of the colors by the Civil Air Patrol, Maui Composite Squadron 057.

Recognizing Excellence

MADD Hawaiʻi was honored to recognize outstanding individuals and agencies from across the state whose efforts have made a significant impact on traffic safety and impaired driving enforcement.

Awards presented included:

  • Community Partner Award: Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth

  • Prosecutor Award: Andrew Martin, Maui County Prosecutor’s Office

  • Law Enforcement Recognition Awards: Outstanding officers from Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi

  • Rookie of the Year Award

  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Each recipient received a handcrafted award, a commemorative MADD challenge coin, and our sincere gratitude for their service to Hawaiʻi’s communities.

More Than an Awards Ceremony

While the event celebrates exceptional accomplishments, it also serves as a reminder of the lives forever changed by impaired driving. Hearing directly from victims and their families reinforces the importance of strong traffic safety efforts, education, prevention, and enforcement.

Every traffic stop, every impaired driving arrest, every educational conversation, and every partnership contributes to preventing future tragedies.

Mahalo to Our Supporters

Events like this would not be possible without the generosity of our community partners. MADD Hawaiʻi extends our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success, including:

  • Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, for hosting the event and generously donating beautiful floral arrangements and spa passes.

  • Lanikai Craftsman for creating our stunning handcrafted awards.

  • Encore for providing professional audio and lighting.

  • Maui Cookie Lady for donating prizes.

  • Maui Ocean Center for donating a family membership for our door prize.

  • The many volunteers and community members who contributed to making the day memorable.

Looking Ahead

The dedication displayed by this year’s honorees gives us hope for a safer future. MADD Hawaiʻi is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners as we continue working toward a future with no more victims of impaired driving.

To all of this year’s recipients, thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your commitment to protecting the people of Hawaiʻi. Your work truly saves lives.

Together, we can continue building safer roads and stronger communities across our islands.

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