During the recent Kauai Police Commission meeting, several employees of the Kauai Police Department (KPD) were honored as Employees of the Month for their exceptional contributions to public safety. Officers Kevin Kamakahi and Branden Barroga received recognition for October 2025, while Public Safety Workers Ernest Ganiron and Ronald Aceret were acknowledged for November 2025. Officer Desmond Thain was celebrated for his achievements in December 2025.
Officers Kamakahi and Barroga were commended for their diligent investigative work. On August 1, 2025, Kamakahi acted on a report of a stolen vehicle in the Lihue area. Through witness interviews, they identified a suspect and found the vehicle abandoned at the base of a 60-foot cliff. The following day, Kamakahi, Barroga, and other patrol officers located the suspect in a residential area. The suspect was detained without incident, and authorities recovered a loaded firearm and illicit drugs. Barroga later executed a search warrant that uncovered additional narcotics, ammunition, and evidence linked to multiple felony cases. Their coordinated efforts not only arrested the suspect but also disrupted further distribution of illegal drugs and firearms in the community.
Public Safety Workers Ganiron and Aceret were recognized for November 2025 for their professionalism and dedication to serving individuals in custody. They oversee the well-being of those held in the KPD Cellblock, ensuring a secure environment. On October 21, 2025, a member of the public expressed gratitude for the support received from Ganiron and Aceret during a challenging time. The individual reported achieving sobriety, gaining employment, and securing stable housing, crediting the encouragement from the two workers for these positive changes. Their compassionate approach exemplifies the significant impact their roles have within public safety.
Officer Thain received accolades for his investigative excellence in December 2025. His vigilance led to the seizure of a vehicle containing a loaded firearm, ammunition, and illicit drugs. Additionally, he successfully resolved a complex credit card fraud case, leading to the arrest of the suspects involved. Thain has also contributed to roadway safety by conducting over 20 arrests for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant this year. His commitment to reducing injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving earned him recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Hawaii Department of Transportation last year.
Chief Kalani Ke expressed pride in the department’s employees, stating, “These recognitions reflect the kind of work our employees do every day. 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.”
The Kauai Police Department is currently hiring for various positions, including police officers, dispatchers, and public safety workers. Officer salaries range from $76,000 to over $118,000, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package. To qualify, applicants must possess 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. For more information or to apply, visit joinkauaipd.com.
