HPD Officer Pleads No Contest in Evidence Tampering Case

Hawai'i County Police Officer Noah Serrao faces felony and misdemeanor charges for false statements and tampering with records.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 1:27am

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Hawai'i County Police Officer Noah Serrao recently pleaded no contest to criminal charges of Perjury, False Swearing in Official Matters, and Tampering with a Government Record. The charges stemmed from an unconstitutional search of an arrestee's belongings inside the Hilo Police Station, where Serrao later made false statements about the search to a judge.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of police misconduct and the importance of accountability for law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and violate civil liberties. It also raises concerns about the integrity of the criminal justice system when officers provide false information to the courts.

The details

Serrao asked the presiding court to defer acceptance of his no contest pleas. The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) and the Hawai'i County Police Department. Perjury is a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while False Swearing in Official Matters and Tampering with a Government Record are misdemeanor offenses punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

  • Serrao recently pleaded no contest to the charges.
  • Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

The players

Noah Serrao

A Hawai'i County Police Officer who pleaded no contest to charges of Perjury, False Swearing in Official Matters, and Tampering with a Government Record.

Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD)

The division that conducted the investigation into Serrao's misconduct.

Hawai'i County Police Department

The department that worked with the SIPD on the investigation of Serrao.

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What’s next

Sentencing for Serrao is scheduled for June 30, 2026, where the judge will determine his punishment for the felony and misdemeanor charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of police accountability and the need for robust oversight to ensure officers uphold the law and respect civil liberties. It also underscores the damage that can be done when law enforcement officers abuse their power and provide false information to the courts.