Operation SHINE THE LIGHT - Hawaii's missing and runaway foster child recovery operation.

Special Agent Alani Bankhead is a career law enforcement officer having spent 18 years working at the federal, military, and state government most recently as the Alternate Commander for the Hawaii Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In this capacity, Alani was the architect for Hawaii’s anti-child exploitation operations: Operation KEIKI SHIELD which resulted in almost 70 arrests of child sex abusers, a 96% conviction rate, and the disclosure of 12 live minor victims.  

Operation SHINE THE LIGHT is Hawaii’s missing and runaway foster child recovery operation during which 11 foster children were recovered. All of Alani’s operations incorporate all law enforcement partners across the state at the federal, state, local, and military level. Alani has conducted and trained law enforcement partners on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Alani is also the handler to K9 Lulu; Hawaii’s only electronic detection K9 who helps investigators find evidence of child sex abuse material (aka child porn).

Prior to working at the Attorney General’s office, Alani oversaw investigations, operations, and host nation law enforcement training for all of Latin America at the world’s largest anti-slavery nonprofit — the International Justice Mission. Her portfolio included child rape and child sex trafficking.

Alani also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel and Special Agent in the Air Force. While on active duty, Alani hunted spies in Asia, conducted human informant operations with special operations targeting Al Qaeda senior leaders, was the lead bodyguard to the Secretary of the Air Force, and has commanded unit