LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department recognized Investigative Services Bureau 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. 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,” ISB Capt. Paul Applegate said.
“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,” Applegate said.
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 device harmless 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 Hawai‘i Interisland Bomb Squad, which consists of KPD, Maui Police Department and Hawai‘i Police Department, was officially accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Devices School for meeting all of the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board requirements.
Nii and Hsu then became responsible for responding to all accidental explosions, bombings, explosives, military ordnances and other related hazardous materials on Kaua‘i.
Since their accreditation in June 2020, Nii and Hsu have responded to calls about a grenade, a blasting cap and nine marine markers that 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,” Applegate said. “Through their dedication and hard work, detectives Michael Nii and Hanson Hsu have made and continue to make Kaua‘i a safer place for all of us.”
