HILO, Hawai'i — Two Kona police officers have been named Big Island "Officer of the Year" in separate ceremonies sponsored by Hawai'i State Law Enforcement Officials Association and the Kona Crime Prevention Committee.

Kona Detective Gerald Wike, who has been a member of the Kona Juvenile Aid Section since 1997, was honored by the Hawai'i State Law Enforcement Officials Association.

In one case cited in connection with the award, Wike's investigation of a reported auto theft involving two teenage boys triggered eight felony investigations after the boys were found with $102,000 in stolen goods.

All of the items were returned to their owners, and Wike obtained confessions from the youths.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee named Vice Officer Edwin Buyten "Officer of the Year" for fiscal year 2005-2006. Buyten works in the Kona vice section and is also a narcotics canine handler.

In May 2006, Buyten and another detective were honored for locating juveniles who had broken into a business, killed a pet parrot and taken clothing from the store.

Buyten also was recognized that month for identifying a stolen vehicle being driven by a known felon who was wanted on suspicion of robbery, burglary and abuse of a 3-year-old.