Bertha Nahoopii, Juvenile Division, MPO, Honolulu Police Department (Retired)

Bertha Nahoopii joined the Honolulu Police Department at a time when it was very unfashionable to become a police officer. In 1957, she joined the Honolulu Police Department as one of only five female officers in the Juvenile Division, where she continued to work until her retirement in 1990. Her caseload involved dealing with apprehended and detained juveniles with delinquent behavior (runaways and beyond control juveniles). During her 33 years as a police officer, Bertha counseled and worked on thousands of juvenile cases successfully reuniting them with their families. In later years, her work also included child abuse and adult abuse cases in conjunction with the Child Protective Services.

Throughout the years many of the former juvenile cases have returned to pay a visit and offer their thanks to Bertha for her guidance and positive influence on their livesÑmany of them now working adults and with children.

Prior to joining HPD, Bertha was the athletic director for Palama Settlement from 1954 to 1957. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-at-Manoa with a Bachelor's degree in Recreational Leadership (1954). She has remained active in sports coaching and playing volleyball and basketball for youth, adult and seniors league.

Retirement has not slowed BerthaÑshe currently serves as elected member of the Kaimuki-Kapahulu Neighborhood Board; Treasurer for the Aha Hui Na Makai Hauoli (HPD "old timers" club); sub-district representative for the Ala Wai Watershed Associations; Chairperson for the Public Safety-Corrections Industries Commissions; Provost Advisory, Kapiolani Community College; member of the Kualoa Park Advisory Commission and an active participant in Roosevelt High School Alumni reunion events (Class of '50). She and her husband, Samuel, have three children (Michael, Daniel and Sandy) and a grandson, Connor.

Supervisory Special Agent Deborah A. Rocco, Navy Region Hawaii Security

Navy Region Hawaii Security is pleased to forward as a HJPA Salute to Women in Security & Law Enforcement nominee, Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Deborah Rocco. Through remarkable foresight, initiative, and untiring devotion to duty, Special Agent Rocco has consistently demonstrated exceptional professional skill and ability in leading the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). With exceptional leadership, sound judgment, insightful investigative instincts, and a keen knowledge of applicable federal, local and military laws, the CID has accomplished many complex investigations, diligently pursued both military and civilian law violators, and executed numerous felony arrests.

Special Agent Rocco is a full-time, working mother of two young children in an extremely demanding career. Ms Rocco has been assigned to CID as a supervisor over CID since August 2002. In that time, CID has opened 223 felony and misdemeanor criminal investigations involving the full range of criminal acts from burglaries, assaults, narcotics use and distribution, larcenies, forgery, wrongful destruction, and internal affairs investigations. The clearance rate for these cases is unprecedented. For burglaries alone, the clearance rate is 76 percent. She has successfully coordinated criminal operations to track, prosecute and deter menacing theft problems at the Arizona Memorial and Navy Marine Golf Course. Her loyal and tenacious CID investigators have successfully presented 13 felony arrests for federal indictment at the Honolulu U.S. Attorneys Office. She is often called upon to work long hours, weekends, and holidays and can be counted on for her willingness to accept responsibility, apply attention to detail over investigators and their reporting, and an uncanny ability to adapt to any assignment or situation.

SA Rocco's leadership and representational abilities has been the instrumental in conducting investigations with the FBI, United States Attorneys Office, Honolulu Police Department, Army CID, Air Force OSI, NCIS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Customs, and others. Agent Rocco has become a highly knowledgeable and effective operational briefer. These distinctive briefings, her imaginative and innovative solutions, and intelligent guidance to high echelon command and sister agencies, are a testament to her gifted poise, far reaching respect as a competent and "street-smart" investigator.

Most importantly, Agent Rocco has led by example in work ethic, diplomacy, enthusiasm, shrewdness, and adroit professionalism in taking the personnel and resources of CID, the Patrol Division, and NCIS Field Office Hawaii to a new level both within the organization and outside. Agent Rocco has earned the respect and deserving accolades of other agencies and military commands by ensuring the relativity, dependability, integrity and capability of CID meets and exceeds US Navy's expectations. She clearly stands out among her peers in the law enforcement community as an articulate, personable, diversified, intelligent, and highly capable employee who has succeeded in attaining standards of excellence in her very demanding career. Accordingly, she is well deserving of this award and associated recognition.

Deborah Ann Rocco has been a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), since September 1987. She currently holds the position of the Regional Investigative Coordinator for Navy Region Security Hawaii (NRSH), and is also the Supervisory Special Agent for Computer Investigations and Operations, Pearl Harbor, HI. Ms. Rocco earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University, with a major in Criminology. She began her 15 -year career with NCIS at the Norfolk Naval Base, and has also held assignments at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Boston, Massachusetts. During her career, Ms. Rocco has received several awards for her efforts in the General Crimes, Procurement Fraud, and Computer Investigations and Operations arenas. She is married to a NCIS Special Agent and has two daughters.

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Carol Zukeran, Supervising Police Radio Dispatcher

Carol ZUKERAN, is nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in Law Enforcement. Ms. ZUKERAN has been with the Honolulu Police Department for 33 years. She was hired into the Communications Division as a senior clerk, prior to the creation of permanent positions that recognized the significance of police radio dispatchers as professional support staff in law enforcement and was promoted to supervisor in 1985.

Her current supervisory position utilizes her years of experience to evaluate new equipment, work with vendors, teach new staff and serve as the liaison between management and radio dispatchers.

Her work has paved the way for police radio dispatch workers to be recognized for their significant role in law enforcement of the past and she continues to pave the way for the future in communication technology.

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May Iwalani Andrade, Chief of Security, Halawa Correctional Facility

May Iwalani Andrade began her career in Corrections in 1975 as a clerk typist at the old Halawa Jail in Halawa Valley. She then became a prison matron, the old term for prison correctional officer/guard in the late 70's and was one of a few female correctional officers in the State of Hawaii. Throughout her career, she has worked at Halawa Correctional Facility, Oahu Community Correctional Center, and the Women's Community Correctional Center. She was promoted to sergeant in the 1980s and worked extensively as a training sergeant and was personally involved with training and grooming countless correctional officers throughout the 80's. She was promoted from a sergeant to a captain at Halawa Correctional Facility in the late 1990s. She demonstrated her ability to be an administrative captain, which is a position that is extremely paperwork intensive, as well as a watch commander who runs a given watch or shift overseeing all correctional officers for a given 8 hour period. She excelled in organizing, documenting, investigating, and coordinating an array of facility functions as well as give important insight into security and administrative issues.

In June 1999, she transferred over to the Oahu Community Correctional Center and became the administrative or operational captain. She was responsible for personnel issues, disciplinary case investigations, overseeing individual shifts, post selections, watch commander duties, as well as assuming chief of security responsibilities in the absence of the incumbent chief of security. In April 2003, she was promoted to the chief of security position at the Halawa Correctional Facility. She is now responsible for up to 352 uniformed staff and is the main supervisor and overseer for all security issues in the largest prison in the State of Hawaii. May has shown the leadership aptitude and professionalism to handle her various duties throughout her career as well as being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and accomplished feather lei maker.

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Jennifer Ching, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu

Jennifer Ching attended Lewis & Clark Law School where she earned her law degree in 1979 before returning to Honolulu. Ms. CHING joined the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu in 1982 after several years in private practice. Like all new prosecutors, she worked up the ranks, handling appeals, trials in District Court and felony jury trials in Circuit Court. Ms. Ching first served as supervisor with the Domestic Violence Unit and then the Family Court Section.

While supervising the Family Court Section, Ms. Ching discovered that she thoroughly enjoyed working juvenile cases which were much different than others as they afforded more flexibility in dealing with the root cause of the juvenile offender's criminality. This appealed to her as it presented a meaningful opportunity to intervene with appropriate consequences and services designed to get the juvenile back on track if at all possible as well as the variety of cases ranging from truancy and shoplifting to sexual assault and robberies. Ms. Ching currently oversees the Juvenile Offender Unit which is responsible for the review and prosecution of all juvenile cases on Oahu.

The work is difficult and the hours are long, however, after 21 years as a prosecutor, there really is nothing else she would rather do. As such, Jennifer remains the backbone of the juvenile justice program within the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu.

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Estela A. Derr, Case Management Coordinator, Federal Detention Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

Ms. Derr received her BA in Business Administration from Chaminade University in 1988, and started her career with the Bureau of Prisons in May, 1994 as a student trainee in Allenwood Pennsylvania. She did such an outstanding job as a student that she was hired full time as a Secretary at Allenwood in February, 1995. Ms. Derr was promoted to Case manager in Allenwood in September 1995, where she learned and excelled in her new position until she was selected for her current position as the first Case Management Coordinator for the Federal Detention Center.

Career Achievement

Ms. Derr has consistently performed all her duties at the highest levels and in addition, has gone above and beyond to assist other staff with projects, other tasks and functions. She is exceptionally reliable and thorough in performing any assignment, and always completes the additional tasks assigned to her in an expedient manner. She is a pleasure to work with, and her exuberant personality inspires her co-workers to perform at higher levels. Ms. Derr was the first Case Management Coordinator at the FDC, and thus had to establish all the procedures for case management and inmate monitoring. In addition, many of the staff at the FDC were new hires for the Bureau of Prisons, and thus had to be trained in the Bureau's procedures by Estela, as well as the local procedures that she developed.

Ms. Derr recently coordinated the first Mock Job Fair for inmates at the FDC. She has had no discrepancies for 8 consecutive months in monitoring the Financial Responsibility Program. As the resident case management expert for the FDC, Ms. Derr is always providing assistance to FDC staff and to federal and state law enforcement agencies, with whom she maintains productive liaisons. She participates as a staff trainer and sits on the FDC Community Relations Board and the Recidivism Prevention Committee. Ms. Derr is the Central Inmate Monitoring Coordinator, and consistently provided outstanding oversight and training for that vital program through her tenure as Case Management Coordinator.

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Lizette Haneberg, Screening Manager, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security

As a single mother raising three children, Lizette spent many years in the food and beverage industry in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1991, Honolulu Magazine voted Lizette as "Favorite Waitress". A volunteer for youth athletics, Lizette also spent ten years as a substitute teacher for special education. Lizette has been a University of Hawaii Men's Volleyball Team supporter for many years. In fact, the team has played volleyball on the sand court at Lizette's house on numerous occasions.

Lizette embarked on her airport and aviation career with Trans World Airlines in 1997. During her tenure at TWA, she worked as the station administrative assistant, and ultimately was promoted to the position of assistant station manager. Shortly after September 11, 2001, Lizette joined the FAA as an Assistant Security Inspector. In the wake of 9/11, she consistently worked extended hours and was routinely deployed to the outer islands to provide on-site regulatory enforcement.

Lizette was instrumental to the successful start-up of the federalized screening process at the Honolulu International Airport. She was promoted to Screening Manager in November 2002. In this position, she manages the inter-island and commuter terminal screener staff and is truly an integral part of the operational success.

Lizette Haneberg has a distinguish background with the airline community and Honolulu International Airport, HIA. Lizette began her Federal career with the Federal Aviation Administration, as an Assistant Security Inspector in November 2001. In November 2002 Lizette transitioned to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, TSA, as a Screening Manager. Lizette illustrates knowledge, experience, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public.

Lizette has attributed to many significant acts of service, one in particular reveals the confidence and ingenuity she posses during a crisis situation of evacuating the HIA inter-island terminal. In February 2003, Lizette formulated and instituted an operational plan which addressed both concerns of the traveling public and affected airlines during the evacuation. Lizette took the initiative to coordinate, alleviate, and control hundreds of people attempting to re-enter the inter-island terminal after the evacuation was deemed cleared. Her plan to segregate and stage passengers by airlines and departure times created an efficient process during the re-screening of the hundreds of passengers through the inter-island checkpoints. This plan proved to be a valuable commodity to the traveling public and affected airlines. Her collective experience and knowledge ensured that the affected airlines would not experience further delays in travel or duress while their passengers were being re-screened. Lizette exemplifies her duties as a Screening Manager, she assures that the mission of TSA is never compromised.

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Debra L. Higa, MPO II and Julianne A.N. Kusuda, MPO IOfficers Higa and Kusuda are being recognized for their significant act of service in the line of duty.

Jefferson Elementary School located in the Waikiki area has approximately 600 students with about 60-70 of them being orthopedic or children with special medical concerns and about 30-40 head start children. A good portion of the students live in the district or have parents who work in it with their children attending Jefferson for their education.

Over the years, the school's biggest concern was the hazards facing the children as they walked to and from school. More specifically in the areas of Wai Nani Way and Pualani Way, these cross streets do not have sidewalks or concrete curbing therefore vehicles park side by side facing the school property. This behavior forced children to walk in the roadway to enter the school property. Officers have tried several different ways to curb such activity but have met with negative opposition or poor responses from other agencies and the project would fall behind in priority.

During the past year Officers Debra L. Higa and Julianne A.N. Kusuda together diligently enforced laws and initiated efforts to get the needed assistance. Efforts to get the Waikiki Neighborhood Board involved met with difficult opposition and negative results. Their persistence in calling other agencies led to the discovery of a resolution request which documents the city's work order to place "no parking" signs on the streets concerned. The document was reportedly lost during an administrative change some years back.

If not for the dedication and persistence of these officers, that document would not have been found and the safety concerns unresolved. This office has received numerous calls of thanks regarding the change both from the staff and parents of Jefferson as well as some complaints from those that had used the affected areas for parking.

Officers are hardly thanked for doing their jobs, even less for accomplishing one. Due to their tenacity and efforts towards this project, children of Jefferson Elementary School can now walk to and from school off the roadway and in safety.

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Colonel Linda K. Jellen, MS, Chief, Social Work Service, Tripler Army Medical Center

COL Jellen came into the Army shortly after she received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland in 1975. She is a licensed Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers Academy of Certified Social Workers.

Her Military assignments include Chief of Social Work Service in Korea, Division Social Worker for the 25th Infantry Division (Light) in Hawaii, Chief of Army Community Service at Department of Army Headquarters, Army and DoD assignments in Congressional Liaison in Washington DC, and Social Work Consultant for the U. S. Army Europe Regional Medical Command.

Her Military education includes the Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College and Army War College. COL Jellen has earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and her awards include the Legion of Merit with 2 oak leaf clusters. Within the Army Medical service Corps she has been awarded the "A" Proficiency Designator for exceptional professional ability. She is also a recipient of the prestigious ÔHammer Award' for Re-inventing Government. She has published on a variety of topics to include the impact of deployment on soldiers and families, and child emotional maltreatment and neglect. In her current position, she has been instrumental in the development of both Tripler Army Medical Center and US Army Hawaii (USAHAW) Workplace Violence Prevention Programs.

COL Jellen has co-chaired the joint Tripler-VA Workplace Violence Prevention Committee, heads the Workplace Violence Prevention/Intervention Team for Tripler, and is also on the USAHAW Training Committee and Threat Management Team. COL Jellen has provided training to numerous organization in Hawaii and on the mainland. She is also a behavioral science consultant to the USAHAW Hostage Negotiation Team. She has had training in hostage negotiation, violence risk and threat assessment, and understanding and responding to violence in the workplace.

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Lt. Denise J. Johnston, ACP V, Department of Public Safety, Oahu Community Correctional Center

Lt. Denise J. Johnston was raised in Madras, Oregon. Denise's parents were Deputy Sheriffs. Denise's father became an elected Sheriff and Chief of Police in Washington State. Denise moved to Hawaii in 1983 and became a Correctional Officer in 1984. Since becoming a correctional officer, Denise has updated the Oahu Community Correctional Center Policies and Procedures and Post Orders. She has worked in every facility office position.

Denise became a member of former Director George Sumner's Task Force from 1992-1993. The Director's Task Force was charged with creating Policies and Procedures and Post Orders for the Halawa Correctional Facility and the Women's Community Correctional Center.

Denise was promoted to ACO IV and then Sergeant in 1993. She was then promoted to Lieutenant in July 1999. Denise received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Sciences with Honors in December 2002 and is currently working on a Master's Degree in Naturopathy.

Lt. Johnston is currently assigned to the Intake/Release Section of the OCCC. She is also the OCCC Liaison with the Federal Detention Center.

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Marlene P. Kekahuna, Clinical Supervisor, Department of Public Safety, Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Marlene has been with the Department of Public Safety/OCCC since November 1983. During this period she has been on Emergency Hire status for 13 years prior to finally making Permanent. She has carried the position as the facilities Custodian of Records and now a Clerical Supervisor for the Records Section of OCCC. Her duties and responsibilities consist of maintaining all defendants' institutional files, updating in chronological order of defendants movements, classification status, custody status, accuracy of criminal charges and proper documentation upon admissions and releases. Ensures all data entries of each defendant's admission/release history, criminal charges, bail information, sentence computation, interprets legal documents to assure proper detainment, preparing of all custody's institutional files, etc.

She has assisted in training new staff with the facilities data base system and entering information into the system, processing of all incoming documents, interpreting legal documents, defining the proper Hawaii Revised Statues, classifying status of admissions and/or releases. She assists in organizing and preparing facility movements, assuring all necessary documents, files and eligible candidates are selected accordingly.

Marlene is the OCCC Liaison in assuring proper security clearances are met prior to visitors and/or agencies entering the facility to conduct personal visits, assessments, investigations, etc.

She has gained a lot of respect by her peers and those within the State of Hawaii Correctional Facilities. She handles many inquiries with all law enforcement agencies, Government agencies, statewide correctional facilities, Human Service Department as well as the Judiciary System.

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Officer Dee Ann Koanui, Honolulu Police Department, Police Training Academy

Officer Koanui has been with the Honolulu Police Department for 16 years and has had assignments in various patrol districts and the Narcotics/Vice Division prior to coming to the Police Training Academy in 1999. She is married to Sergeant Earl Koanui, the 2001 HPD Officer of the Year.

Officer Koanui is a Control & Arrest Tactics Instructor and has just recently attained certification as a Physical Fitness & Master Fitness Specialist. She serves as the primary instructor for the recruits' physical fitness program. Basically, she is responsible for getting the recruits "in shape."

For the past several years, Officer Koanui has consistently volunteered to organize, lead, and literally run with the recruits in the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Great Aloha Run. In this year's Great Aloha Run, Officer Koanui lead the 143rd Recruit Class in the Sounds of Freedom run. They were the first civilian unit to run in formation with Hawaii's military units

Major Michael H. Tamashiro, the commander of the Training Division commended Officer Koanui and related that words cannot possibly describe the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm she displays. She serves as a great role model and inspiration, not only to women but to all those aspiring to become police officers.

It is easy to talk about the importance of physical fitness in our profession, but quite another story when Officer Koanui "walks, or should we say runs the talk." Her expertise and active participation gains admirable respect and inspiration amongst the recruits.

We are very proud of Officer Koanui for supporting our efforts and for all that she continues to do for the Training Division. She is definitely an asset to our division, as well as the department. Mahalo to Officer Koanui for playing an integral part on our team!

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Special Agent Cindy Maglasang (GS-13), Federal Bureau of Investigations

SA Cindy Maglasang was the case agent of an investigation of a significant criminal enterprise responsible for the importation and distribution of over 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, also know as ice. Sources advised that Michael Schulze directed the operations of shipping multi-pound quantities of ice from Las Vegas for distribution in Hawaii.

Investigation to date revealed that Schulze grew up in Ewa Beach, Hawaii and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in the mid 1990's Schulze operated his multi-state drug distribution business by arranging for Hawaii residents to sell his ice in Hawaii and deliver the drug proceeds to Schulze in Las Vegas. Schulze would then pay his California suppliers for multi-pound quantities of ice. Schulze's modus operandi was for the drug/money couriers to pick up ice in California and drive it to Las Vegas where it would be packaged by Schulze and shipped via Federal Express or United Postal Service to Hawaii. The couriers would then fly to Hawaii, retrieve the boxes of ice and deliver it to distributors in Hawaii. These boxes were shipped to Hawaii on average twice a month and ranged from two to six pounds of ice a shipment. Schulze has been overseeing this operation for at least the past two years.

Source's also identified Ralph Byrd of Ewa Beach, Hawaii as one of Schulze's principle ice distributors in Hawaii. Source information also identified Anthony Tabion's auto body repair as a place where Schulze would mail boxes of ice.

During this investigation, SA Maglasang developed a source, whom she directed, to make consensual recordings and controlled drug purchases from Schulze, Tabion, Byrd, and Ronnie Vasconcellos in Hawaii. The Source also identified several assets owned by Schulze in Las Vegas, Nevada and Byrd in Hawaii, which were purchased with drug proceeds.

In April, 2002, Schulze, Tabion, Byrd and Vasconcellos were arrested. Multiple search warrants and seizure warrants were executed in Las Vegas, Nevada and Hawaii. During the search of Vasconcello's residence and vehicle, more than two pounds of ice was recovered.

During this investigation, SA Maglasang directed cooperating sources to make 63 audio and 3 video consensual recordings.

On January 30, 2003, Schulze went to trial before the Honolulu Chief Justice, District of Hawaii, David Ezra. Following the two week trial, Schulze was convicted of all criminal counts. Schulze is currently facing mandatory minimum of 25 years of incarceration. Evidence at trial revealed that Schulze and his criminal enterprise was responsible for distributing over a hundred pounds of ice in Hawaii during a two year period of time. The jury deliberated for two hours on this matter before finding Schulze guilty.

The three weeks of trial preparations, to include witness preparation and proofing hundreds of hours of transcripts, was handled by SA Maglasang.

To date, statistical accomplishments in this case are 8 arrests, 5 convictions, forfeiture of $1,937,621, which includes $1,000,000 in substitute assets and one disruption.

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Victoria S. Marks, Judge, Third Division, Circuit Court of the First Circuit

Judge Marks has been a Circuit Court Judge for the First Judicial Circuit, State of Hawaii for the last nine (9) years. At the present time she presides over both civil and criminal matters in the Circuit Court. She previously served as the Criminal Administrative Judge from 1995-1999 and was a Family Court Judge for six (6) years before her appointment to the Circuit Court.

Judge Marks is currently the chair of the Standing Committee on the Rules of Evidence, and she serves on a number of committees including the Judicial Education Committee, the Executive Committee on Court Technology and Information Management, the Single-Tier Trial Court Committee, and the Bench/Bar Committee. She is a former member of the Governor's Committee on Crime and of the Standing Committee on Pattern Criminal Jury Instructions.

Judge Marks received a Bachelor's in Music Education from Miami University. She obtained her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was a national finalist in the National Moot Court competition.

Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Marks was in private practice handling business related litigation and personal injury matters, and served as the Supervising attorney for the Regulated Industries Complaints Office with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

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Officer Elizabeth Merrill, MPO, Honolulu Police Department, District I, Night Operations, Patrol

Officer Merrill was appointed to the Honolulu Police Department's 131st Recruit Class in November, 1998. She came to HPD after obtaining a B.S. in Psychology Research and a M.S.C.J.A. from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Officer Merrill's first assignment was Central Receiving where she challenged herself to learn as much as she could and volunteered for many different assignmentsÑshe became a Notary Public and trained as a Court Liaison. From Central Receiving, Officer Merrill transferred to the Patrol Division, Night Operations, District 1, in 2001. She served as a swing Officer for 6 months before taking on the responsibility of a permanent beat. Her beat is one of the busiest beats on the islandÑthere are two hospitals, the Main Police Station, a broad spectrum in the residential communities from low-income housing areas to the house of Government for the City & County. It has become Officer Merrill's goal to improve the quality of life on her beat and at the same time provide excellent police service to her Community Area of Responsibility (CAR) by working with residents, schools and businesses in the area.

Officer Merrill has made a high number of DUI, criminal and traffic arrests. She tries to make an impact on the roadways of Honolulu with an emphasis on the enforcement of traffic violations. Officer Merrill has been commended by Detectives as well as Prosecutors for the clarity and thoroughness of her investigations and reports.

Officer Merrill became a Field Training Officer to improve her training and supervisory skills and to has had the opportunity to work with a small number of recruits who were in training in District 1. Officer Merrill has the education and practical experience that can help mentor young officers to become an officer that can better face the challenges of police work.

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Thalia Murphy, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City & County of Honolulu

After earning her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1981, Thalia worked for a short while in Chicago before coming to Honolulu in 1983. In 1984, she passed the Hawaii Bar Exam and soon thereafter in May 1984, she accepted a job as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. As a new prosecutor, Thalia started off in the Appellate Section before moving on to a trial assignment. Her first assignment was District Court where she quickly learned to handle a wide variety of traffic and misdemeanor cases. Her diligence paid off as she soon demonstrated she had a tremendous aptitude for trial work. As a result, Thalia gained the respect of her peers and within a short time, she earned a promotion to Circuit Court where she continued to excel in the courtroom doing felony jury trials. Not surprisingly, her supervisors recognized her talents and thereafter promoted her to the Career Criminal Unit which focused exclusively on repeat offenders.

While assigned to the Career Criminal Unit, she ultimately found her true calling as a prosecutor after handling her first sexual assault case in 1988. Despite the fact that sex cases were notoriously among the most difficult cases to prosecute, Thalia was captivated by the unique opportunity and challenge of working with this very fragile victim population. To Thalia, each and every victim was important and deserved to be treated with compassion and respect. Since that time, despite many other assignments throughout the office, Thalia has consistently chosen to use her energy and skills to seek justice on behalf of sexual assault victims, especially the child victims.

For the last 10 years, she has overseen the Sexual Assault Unit which is responsible for the review and prosecution of all felony sexual assault cases on Oahu. It takes a lot of specialized skill and fortitude to work day-in and day-out in this environment. The work is extremely difficult and the hours are long. Moreover, the cases are almost always emotionally-draining for everyone involved, however, despite this, after nearly 20 years Thalia still enjoys being a sex crimes prosecutor and would not opt for any other assignment.

Not surprisingly, over the years, Thalia has successfully prosecuted hundreds of violent crime and sexual assault cases, many of which were highly publicized. As a direct result of her efforts, many of Honolulu's most dangerous offenders are now serving lengthy prison terms. More importantly, it is clear that she has made a significant positive difference in the lives of victims, their families and our community.

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Florence T. Nakakuni, Chief of Narcotics Section, U.S. Attorney's Office.

Ms. Nakakuni has served as an attorney in the Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice; as Assistant Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department of the Navy; joining the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii in 1985 where she held the position of Chief of Organized Crime Strike Force and in January of 2003 promoted to Chief of the Narcotics Sections.

As the Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force, Florence Nakakuni has spearheaded numerous high profile investigations and prosecutions for the District of Hawaii, United States Attorney's Office.

Ms. Nakakuni most recently successfully prosecuted Gary Rodrigues (State Director United Public Works, AFCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO) on over 100 felony counts which included mail fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and acceptance of kickbacks.

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Valerie K. Reyes, Field Service Supervisor, Burns International Security Services

Valerie Reyes has been with Burns International Security Services since October 2000. She has worked at numerous locations, finally coming to the attention of the Burns Management team approximately eighteen months ago.

She showed enthusiasm and a dedication not normally seen in most security officers at all of the sites that she worked at. A supervisory position became available and was recommended by her supervisor for that position. I {Kenny Chang} conducted that interview and was pleasantly surprised at her answers to the questions posed.

A probationary position was offered and Ms. Reyes accepted the position. The position allows her to be the person in charge after hours of all sites on the Island of Oahu. she has shown excellent leadership qualities and has a great compassion for the security officers working at all of our sites. She insures that officer safety is upper most in her site checks and suggests necessary changes when needed.

Ms. Reyes has been an asset to my {Change} team since her promotion and is now my training supervisor for all new Field Service Supervisors.

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Lieutenant Colonel Sabrina Sanfillipo-Webb, Commanding Officer, Schofield Barracks Military Police Battalion, U.S. Army Military Police Brigade-Hawaii

Lieutenant Colonel Sabrina Sanfillipo-Webb was born in Westerville, Ohio. She entered active duty as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Bowling Green State University Corps of Cadets in 1985.

Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb's previous assignments include Platoon Leader and Executive officer in the 204th Military Police Company and Provost Marshal, Headquarters, EUCOM in Germany. She returned to the United States, where she was stationed at Fort Bragg from 1989 through 1992, first as the Assistant S3, 16th MP Brigade (Airborne) and later the S1 of the 503rd MP Battalion (Airborne). She then commanded the 65th Military Police Company.

Following her tour at Fort Bragg, Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb was stationed in Washington D.C., and served as a JCS Intern in the Office of the Chairman, Legislative Affairs. She then completed a tour at PERSCOM as the MP Branch Professional Development Officer.

In 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb was stationed at the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas as the Executive Officer, prior to attending the Army Command and General Staff College, with a follow-on assignment to Korea.

In two consecutive tours in Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb served as the Deputy Provost Marshal for 2nd Infantry Division, and as S3, 728th Military Police Battalion. She returned to the Pentagon and from 1999 to 2001, she was the Aide-de-Camp, for the Under Secretary of the Army. Her most recent assignment was as Secretary General Staff, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation command.

Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Military Police Officer Basic and Advanced Courses. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Personnel Management/Administration from Central Michigan University.

Lieutenant Colonel Sanfillipo-Webb's awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, (3OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), the U.S. and German Parachutist Badges, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

She is married to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas D. Webb, an Infantry Officer from Florham Park, New Jersey. Both are eager to begin their current tours in Hawaii.

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Lieutenant Margaret Sneed, Honolulu Police Department, Kalihi Station

Lieutenant Margaret "Margo" Sneed entered the police department as cadet. She has 25 years of service this year.

During her career she has served in various divisions including patrol, records, community relations and 10 years with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). While in CID, she served as the CrimeStoppers Coordinator from 1995 until 1998. During that time she was honored as the CrimeStoppers International program coordinator of the year. She was a crisis negotiator from 1987 to 1998 and involved in the workplace related standoff with John Miranda. She was the watch commander on scene for the Xerox shooting case involving Bryan Uesugi. She was instrumental in the planning of the HPD mounted unit in 2000.

She has a Criminal Justice degree from Chaminade University and a Masters in Sociology from the University of Hawaii.

She is currently in transition to retirement and works as a school safety officer on Maui, at Kalama Intermediate High School when she is not on duty as the patrol Watch Commander in Kalihi.

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Tish Taniguchi, Honolulu Police Department

Officer Tish Taniguchi has been with the Honolulu Police Department for 7 years. She has a degree in Sociology from the University of Hawaii, as well as a certificate in Woman's Studies.She is patrol officer responsible for the area around the Laumaka Work Furlough Program. Noting the high frequency of unwanted vehicular and pedestrian traffic at a known gambling establishment Officer Taniguchi started a proactive patrol approach by issuing parking and moving citations. This increase in visible police presence has resulted in a reduction of other crimes reported in the area.In the last year, two animals have been rescued with the assistance of the Hawaiian Humane Society and homeowners in the area are cleaning the front of the streets. Businesses in the area are appreciative that 20 abandoned vehicles have been removed from that area as well.

Tish is proud of her family. She is married to Brian, has a step-son, step-daughter, two-year old grandson and her five poodles.

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Special Agent Lynelle C. Torikai, Federal Bureau of Investigations

Lynelle C. Torikai has been a Special Agent (SA) with the FBI for over five years. She has been assigned to the Honolulu Division's Organized Crime Squad, The Violent Crimes and Major Offenders (VCMO) Squad and most recently the Cyber Squad. SA Torikai is currently the FBI's Crimes Against Children (CAC) Coordinator. She is responsible for investigating those who victimize children by the manufacture and distribution of child pornography and by luring them via the Internet to travel interstate in order to engage in sexual relations. SA Torikai also served as the FBI's Airport Coordinator during and after the events of 9/11. In addition, SA Torikai is a member of the FBI's Evidence Response Team.

Some of SA Torikai's most significant cases include the murder of the captain and first officer of Taiwanese fishing vessel by a crew member. SA Torikai successfully coordinated the efforts of multiple agencies to include the U.S. Coast Guard Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the U.S. Customs Service. This case was complicated by the fact that the captain was Taiwanese and the crew was from the People's Republic of China, none of whom spoke English. All of the interviews and subsequent depositions had to be conducted through the use of an interpreter. In addition there were several diplomatic and immigration issues which arose due to the captain and crew's nationalities. SA Torikai obtained an indictment of the suspect crew member who is currently awaiting trial.

SA Torikai obtained the conviction of an individual who lured a minor to Hawaii for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations. SA Torikai also obtained an arrest and indictment of an individual who traveled interstate in violation of a state protection order to meet with a 12 year old child with whom he was obsessed. SA Torikai's actions prevented further contact between this individual and the child. SA Torikai recently arrested and obtained a complaint against an individual who was secretly filming and photographing sexual assaults of his minor daughters. SA Torikai is also the Case Agent on several other child pornography matters.

These investigations concern an extremely difficult and emotionally disturbing subject matter. Despite these difficulties, SA Torikai tenaciously pursues those who commit these crimes and maintains sensitivity to those children and families destroyed by these heinous acts.

SA Torikai was the FBI's Airport Coordinator from June 2001 until February 2003. She was responsible for coordinating the constant, urgent dissemination of information between the FBI, Transportation and Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), various federal, state and local law enforcement entities, and the multitude of air carriers at Honolulu International Airport during the period immediately following 9/11.

SA Torikai has been the Training Agent for two Probationary Agents. She is also a member of the Evidence Response Team. SA Torikai also maintains exceptional liaison with members of the Hawaii State Crimes Against Children Task Force, to include the State of Hawaii Attorney General/'s Office, Honolulu Police Department, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Army Criminal Investigative Division and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Her liaison efforts are key to the successful operation of this task force. SA Torikai also volunteers her time to speak to community groups about the dangers of online predators.

Despite carrying a heavy case load and administrative duties, SA Torikai consistently displays a positive attitude and exceptional work ethic. SA Torikai serves as a role model for those who work with her. SA Torikai's commitment to the FBI's mission and the people of Hawaii are truly exceptional.

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Sgt Melinda L. Wruble, Watch Commander/Sergeant/E-5Camp Smith District Military Police Company, Marine Corp Base Hawaii

Melinda L. Wruble attended Marine Corps Recruit Training in Parris Island, SC from September to December 1996 where she graduated in the top ten percent of her series. Upon completion, she spent one month assisting her local recruiting station. In January 1997, she reported to Military Police Training Company, Fort McClellan, AL. There she was trained in the basic responsibilities of an MP. In March 1997, she distinguished herself above her peers as the course honor graduate, and as a result, meritoriously promoted. While attending the school she was screened and approved for a Top Secret Security Clearance, which was necessary for her next duty station at HMX-1 in Quantico, VA. There she held a variety of billets including Platoon Commander and Mission Security Officer. She assisted in the completion of over one hundred executive missions in support of the Commander in Chief, to include seven missions on foreign soil. She attended both the Corporals Leadership and Sergeants Courses, organized two "Toys for Tots" drives, and was awarded two Navy Achievement Medals for her services while stationed there. In October 2000, she reenlisted to broaden her knowledge as a Military Police Officer, and in January 2001 was transferred to Kaneohe Bay, HI. Since her arrival on island, she has completed the Edged Weapons/Weapons Retention Instructor Course, and the Military Police Investigator School. She is an expert marksman with both the rifle and pistol, maintains a first class PFT, has completed 30 MCI's, holds three military occupational specialties, and is a mentor in the DEFY program.

Sgt Wruble has been a tremendous asset to the Military Police Company. Sgt Wruble's superb reputation and work ethic proved she was capable of handling the challenges of establishing a new PMO district and filling the billet of Watch Commander. Since her assignment as a Watch Commander her initiative and steadfast leadership have far surpassed expectations. She is extremely proficient in her MOS and has gained the respect of both her seniors and subordinates. Sgt Wruble possesses superior administrative and communication skills. She develops the majority of the watch schedules for the Camp Smith District and has created an in depth personnel tracking board. Few Marines are able to inspire the level of confidence and assurance that Sgt Wruble instills in her seniors. Her intelligence and thorough knowledge of police work allow her to accomplish tasks that are traditionally reserved for SNCOs and Officers. Sgt Wruble has proven her character through her firm, fair, and professional approach to law enforcement and leadership. Sgt Wruble has excelled as both a Marine and as a Military Policeman since she joined the Marine Corps. She has an impeccable service record and undoubtedly will continue to excel and grow as a law enforcement officer.

Sgt Wruble will be a tremendous representative of both the Marine Corps and the Military Police community. Sgt Wruble receives, without hesitation, my strongest recommendation for selection as the MCBH PMO HJPA nominee.

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Officer Candace Yoshimura, Honolulu Police Department, District 1, Field Training and Evaluation Program

Officer Candace Yoshimura entered the Honolulu Police Dept. in 1987 and was on special assignment to communications and then put on patrol duties until 1992. During that time she became certified as a Field Training Officer in the Field Training and Evaluation Program. She left HPD in 1992 to pursue other endeavors, but she returned to HPD in 1996 and repeated recruit training, including the Field Training and Evaluation Program. In 1997 she was reassigned to District 1, Patrol duties as a Foot Beat officer and was reactivated as a Field Training Officer. In 2001 she gained the rank of Motorized Patrol officer and joined the HPD Mentoring Program.

In April 2002, she was assigned to the FTEP Administrative Office. Sgt. Lee Donohue, Jr. was her supervisor and asked her to work with HPD Technology division to attempt to develop a paperless Daily Observation Report. The old report was antiquated and paper intensive, taking 7-8 pages to complete, most of which were not needed. According to Sgt. Donohue, this meant that with 56 days of field training each recruit would generate a minimum of about 448 pages of paper, not including all the other FTEP forms used during the training process. When Officer Yoshimura was unable to get help from HPD Technology department, she developed a Microsoft Excel program of her own and created a user-friendly DOR that no longer required the use of paper and could be downloaded and saved on a CD. Sgt. Donohue notes that "Officer Yoshimura accomplished the above tasks with little or no supervision and demonstrated her enthusiasm and dedication to duty by working on the project at home, off duty and on her days off without compensation. The FTO's who are now using the program have stated that it is easier to use and saves them time and effort when rating the new recruits in the field.

"After creating the paperless DOR, Officer Yoshimura took it upon herself to put the rest of the FTEP documents used in training on the Excel program as well. This now means that every Field Training Officer and Sergeant has just one format to follow, which makes the program standardized and professional. Officer Yoshimura completed the above while still maintaining her daily FTEP assignments, as well as helping other officers and divisions with an array of projects, including becoming a mentor in the HPD Mentoring Program. Officer Yoshimura also assisted me with the FTO Recall training, which was the first of its kind in the history of the HPD FTO Program."

"Officer Yoshimura continues to contribute unselfishly to the program, which in my opinion is now one of the best FTO Programs in the Nation."