MADD Hawaii Recognizes Law Enforcement Heroes in the Fight Against Impaired Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawaii proudly honored 19 law enforcement officers statewide and presented one officer with the MADD Hawaii Lifetime Achievement Award for their exceptional efforts in reducing alcohol and drug-related fatalities. These recognitions come amid a troubling 33% increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities since 2019, highlighting a critical public health crisis affecting our communities.
Central to MADD’s mission are the law enforcement officials who bravely serve on the front lines of this battle. These dedicated men and women not only apprehend impaired drivers but also provide vital support to families affected by these tragic incidents.
During the events, MADD Hawaii also featured poignant “Mission Moments” where individuals such as Andrea Maniago on Maui, Theresa Paulette while at the event on Kauai, and Chanda Park in Honolulu shared their personal stories of loss due to impaired driving crashes. Each of these volunteers is a mother who tragically lost a child in an impaired driving incident.
Maui Police Department: Officer Skylar Falite and Wanya Ogata, MADD Advisory Board Chair
Maui Police Department: Officer Cody Tetzloff with Acting Captain Kyle Nagano and Lieutenant Kenneth Kihata
Wanya Ogata, MADD Advisory Board Chair, Andrea Maniago, Victim Speaker, not pictured Officer Steven Kelly
On the Big Island before announcing this year’s MADD honorees, Kurt Kendro, a MADD volunteer who is also a retired Major with the Honolulu Police Department, described losing two fellow officers to impaired drivers. “Doing what you do, putting these programs together, and working to eliminate impaired drivers on our streets makes a difference on our roads,” said Kendro. “We appreciate all the hard work you do.”
Hawaii Police Department: Hilo – Officer Jason Miyashiro, Program Manager Tory Keltner, Officer Lawrence Kobayashi;
Kona – Officer John Harvey and Officer Adam Roberg
Chief Todd Raybuck of the Kauai Police Department emphasized the profound impact of MADD’s advocacy, noting, “MADD changed America’s acceptance of drunk driving in the 80s by sharing the faces and voices of victims with legislators.”
“Every impaired driving arrest an officer makes represents a life saved,” said Chief Todd Raybuck. “Our dedication to enforcing traffic laws isn’t just about issuing citations—it’s about safeguarding families and preventing devastating incidents on our roads.”
Kauai Police Department: Officer Alexander Lacson, Officer Tyler Henshaw, Officer Shawn Hanna, and Officer Desmond Thain
Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz of the Honolulu Police Department, who received a lifetime achievement award from MADD in 2019, highlighted the importance of traffic enforcement officers’ work in the field. “The efforts of our officers, pulling over suspected impaired drivers and preventing them from endangering others on our roads, truly save lives.”
Each honoree was invited to bring their family to the event. These family members appreciated being included and recognized. One of the wives remarked – It’s a thankless job and it’s nice to be acknowledged.
Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department: Major Stason Tanaka, Officer Dallas Pauu, Deputy Rodolfo Sebastian, Officer Joshua Buitenhuys, Sergeant Thomas Billins, Officer Jang Hoon Cho, Corporal Ty Ah Nee, Sergeant Steven Chun, Sergeant Kawananakoa Saul, Assistant Chief Calvin Tong
“It takes a community to address this issue,” said Wanya Ogata Advisory Board Chair of MADD Hawaii. “We recognize that we cannot tackle this crisis alone. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners who are true heroes. “They face unimaginable challenges daily, from making split-second decisions on our roadways to comforting grieving families. Their commitment to preventing further tragedies deserves recognition. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to create a supportive environment where law enforcement feels valued and empowered in their crucial role.”
MADD Hawaii sincerely appreciates and recognizes the generous sponsorship of this year’s Law Enforcement Recognition Awards by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
MADD Hawaii Advisory Board Members and Staff