By Ken Ige, Star-Bulletin
Capt. Daniel Hanagami, left, and Maj. Stephen Watarai were
named city employee and manager of the year, respectively.

City honor goes to
two policemen

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

The police detective instrumental in solving the theft of millions of dollars in relocation funds at the city's Ewa Villages, West Loch and Middle Street redevelopment projects has been selected as the city Employee of the Year.

Capt. Daniel Hanagami, who joined the Honolulu Police Department in 1978, was chosen from among 26 finalists from various city agencies.

Until this week, Hanagami has been the lieutenant in charge of the white-collar crime detail of the Criminal Investigations Division. He was promoted to captain, effective yesterday.

While supervisor to six detectives, Hanagami single-handedly investigated the high-profile relocation cases that led to more than 30 arrests and nine confessions or plea agreements.

Trial has been scheduled for next year.

Deputy City Prosecutor Christopher Young described Hanagami as "one of the hardest-working police officers I know. He's very dedicated, puts in long hours and is very professional about the work he does."

Young noted that while some detective lieutenants keep busy supervising, Hanagami actually conducted investigations.

"Because of his dedication to the job and his ability to do very thorough investigations, he was able to put the (Ewa Villages) case together that ended up with those indictments," Young said.

Hanagami first joined the white-collar crime detail in 1994.

Also named in ceremonies last week was the Manager of the Year, Assistant Police Chief Stephen Watarai.

An officer since 1964, Watarai was credited with helping reduce crime in the Kalihi area and particularly with his work in the Weed and Seed Program.

Watarai had been major in charge of the Kalihi section until this past March, when he was selected as the assistant chief in charge of the Central Patrol Division.