HPD officer Roxanne Montalbo named Hawaii’s first DOJ Hometown Hero Award recipient

News admin July 17, 2026 0 Comments

HPD officer Roxanne Montalbo named Hawaii’s first DOJ Hometown Hero Award recipient

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu Police Department Officer Roxanne Montalbo, recognized for community policing work that has helped families, kupuna and people experiencing homelessness access shelter and support, has been named Hawaii’s first recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice Hometown Hero Award.

Montalbo was honored July 14 for professionalism, leadership and compassion through her work in community policing, youth mentorship and proactive problem-solving.

“I am very grateful to receive this prestigious award,” Montalbo said. She joined HPD in January 2020.

Montalbo is assigned to the District 8 Community Policing Team, which serves Leeward Oahu communities from Ewa and Kapolei through Waianae and Makaha to Kaena Point. HPD Acting Assistant Chief Gail Beckley nominated her.

“Officer Montalbo’s ability to balance enforcement, outreach and community engagement has significantly strengthened relationships between the Honolulu Police Department and communities throughout District 8,” Beckley said. “She approaches every aspect of policing with a strong sense of compassion and service while consistently connecting people in need with available resources.”

HPD said Montalbo’s work goes beyond traditional law enforcement response. In 2025, she coordinated 33 community events, including school presentations, career days, safety briefings and Coffee with a Cop gatherings.

She also regularly reaches out to people experiencing homelessness and, through continued communication, has helped connect individuals in District 8 to shelter and other services, HPD said.

In one case, HPD said Montalbo helped enroll a 12-year-old boy in school after learning he had never attended. She worked with the child’s mother and Kapolei Middle School, supported him through the transition, and continued checking on his progress. School counselors later reported he was thriving and succeeding in his new environment.

During the Kona Low storm, Montalbo encountered a young mother and her 3-year-old child living on the beach who were at risk, HPD said. The department said she went in on her day off to help them enter a shelter, provided clothing and necessities, and continued supporting the family by connecting them with community and faith-based resources.

Montalbo also works with Safe and Sound Westside, accompanying outreach personnel into areas where people are living unsheltered in Waianae. HPD said she helps outreach workers build relationships and assists families, particularly those with children, with access to housing and support services.

She has made a special effort to help kupuna experiencing homelessness, the department said, showing patience and empathy as they transition into emergency shelters and supportive programs.

“Officer Montalbo is an exceptional example of the difference the Honolulu Police Department can make in the lives of the people we serve,” HPD Chief David Lazar said. “Her deep community connections and unwavering dedication have helped improve the quality of life for people throughout District 8.”

The Hometown Hero Award was created as part of the Freedom 250 initiative commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The nationwide program recognizes extraordinary service and meaningful contributions to local communities. Each of the 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices was asked to select a recipient from its district. U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson selected Montalbo as Hawaii’s inaugural honoree.