Hawaii Police Department Detective John Balberde was honored Wednesday morning with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at the Hawaii County Council chambers in Hilo.
A 15-year veteran of the department, Balberde currently is assigned as the supervisor of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section’s Crime Reduction Unit in East Hawaii.
Balberde was recognized for work while leading the Crime Reduction Unit, as well as for the determination and compassion he exhibited as the lead detective assigned to a double-homicide in January in Hilo.
Balberde’s supervisor, Capt. Rio Amon-Wilkins, said Balberde volunteered to be the lead detective in the homicide, which occurred on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“Detective Balberde worked tirelessly over the next 48 hours, ensuring the investigation was complete and the suspect was charged,” Amon-Wilkins said.
Amon-Wilkins also noted Balberde is a dedicated officer with a passion for improving the community and holding violent offenders accountable.
“His integrity is unquestionable.” Amon-Wilkins said. “Detective Balberde leads by example, and he treats subordinates, co-workers, victims and suspects with dignity and respect. He exemplifies the core values of the Hawaii Police Department, through his integrity, professionalism, compassion, teamwork and community satisfaction.”
Acting Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna, who attended Wednesday’s ceremony, said Balberde “has done outstanding work, we are very proud of him, and he is certainly an asset to our department. We would also like to thank the Hawaii County Council and council member (Holeka) Inaba for recognizing our officers who do such great work.”
Prior to being promoted to sergeant/detective in August 2020 and being assigned to the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Balberde worked as a patrol officer in Kona and Hilo, an officer in the Crime Reduction Unit, as well as Vice and the Criminal Intelligence Unit in Kona.
