Hawaiʻi Police Department
Kona Patrol, Area II
Sergeant Edwin Buyten
Phone: (808) 326-4646 ext. 291
Report No. 19-046383
Media Release
On Monday, (June 10) members of the Hawaiʻi Police Departments Area II Special Enforcement Unit conducted a four-day operation in Kailua-Kona specifically along Ali’i Drive from Kailua Pier to Kahakai Road.
This operation was based on numerous citizen complaints regarding street level crimes in town, such as alcohol consumption, drug possession/distribution, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. This operation resulted in arrests of 7 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 62 for a total of 13 charges and an aggregate bail of $36,150.00.
Officers also issued numerous citations to appear in court. Arrests were made for the following charges; criminal contempt of court, criminal conspiracy, promotion of detrimental drug first and second-degree, distribution of narcotics near a school, liquor prohibited, and deadly weapon prohibited.
The special enforcement unit identified parties in town who were soliciting and distributing street-level narcotics to community members and tourists. Based on the numerous citizen complaints the Hawaiʻi Police Department is working with the Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to review the status of repeat offenders and seek geographical bans that would essentially restrict these individuals from being on Alii Drive.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department would like to assure members of the community that every effort will be made in the future to address citizen concerns.