HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021827 KPD NR Detectives commended for work as certified bomb techniciansDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 27, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Detectives commended for work as certified bomb technicians
LĪHU‘E – The Kauaʿi Police Department (KPD) recognized Investigative Services Bureau (ISB)
detectives Michael Nii and Hanson Hsu as Officers of the Month during August’s Police Commission
meeting held via teleconference on Friday.
They were commended for their dedication and hard work in taking on the responsibility and
commitment of becoming accredited as certified bomb technicians for KPD. This is an auxiliary function
on top of their primary roles as detectives.
“Having these skilled bomb technicians on island has brought us greater public safety and officer
safety,” said ISB Captain Paul Applegate. “It’s also enhanced explosive-related investigations and has
created a quicker response time for threats and emergencies that allows normal operations of the
general public to resume.”
Prior to becoming technicians, the detectives were required to complete a Public Safety Bomb
Technician course at the Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama where they
underwent six weeks of intense training. Through this intense training, they were able to acquire a high
level of expertise not only related to how to render an explosive devise safely, but also how to properly
handle, remove and dispose of said devices.
In June 2020, following completion of all bomb technician training and certification, the Hawaiʿi
Interisland Bomb Squad (HIBS), which consists of KPD, Maui Police Department and Hawaiʿi Police
Department, was officially accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of
Investigation Hazardous Devices School for meeting all of the National Bomb Squad Commanders
Advisory Board requirements. Detectives Nii and Hsu then become responsible for responding to all
accidental explosions, bombings, explosives, military ordnances and other related hazardous materials
on Kauaʿi.
Since their accreditation in June 2020, detectives Nii and Hsu have responded to and made safe
one grenade, one blasting cap and nine marine markers, which were on various populated beaches
around the island.
“The officers are required to retain their certification with active-duty status that includes
maintaining physical and operational requirements and pursuing ongoing training,” said Captain
Applegate. “Through their dedication and hard work, detectives Michael Nii and Hanson Hsu have made
and continue to make Kauaʿi a safer place for all of us.”
Detectives Hanson Hsu (left) and Michael Nii.
Detectives Hanson Hsu (left) and Michael Nii with Deputy Chief Stan Olsen and Chief Todd Raybuck.
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