11 Arrested in Cockfight Raid 02-01-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO VICE SECTION
DETECTIVE RANDALL A. MEDEIROS
PHONE: 961-2259
FEBRUARY 1, 2000
G-56343

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police arrested 11 persons Wednesday (January 31, 2001) during a raid on a cockfight in the Eden Roc subdivision of Mountain View, Puna.

Police estimated that 150 to 200 persons were attending the cockfight, some coming from as far away as Ka’u and Waikoloa in South Kohala.

Acting on a search warrant at 10:09 p.m., officers raided a Naia Street residence where the cockfight was being held. They described the cockfight as a sophisticated operation using multiple generators to supply electricity for fluorescent lights throughout the cockfighting area.

Officers recovered 20 dead or injured gamecocks and 20 other gamecocks that had leg bands identifying matching birds to be fought.

The 11 persons arrested were identified as Richard Kaukini, 68, of Eden Roc; Joyce Kaukini, 42, of Eden Roc; Sasha Kaupu, 19, of Pahala, Ka’u; Joseph Ferreira, 19, of Orchidland, Puna; Fernando Santos, 51, of Hawaiian Paradise Park, Puna; Edwin Pihana, 42, of Kurtistown, Puna; Stephen Tam, 26, of Ainaloa, Puna; Elsworth Eugenio, 21, of Kurtistown, Puna; Christian Staszkow, 19, of Hilo; Wilfred Justo, 33, of Orchidland, Puna; and Derek Bentosino, 43, of Kurtistown, Puna.

The offenses include cruelty to animals, attempted cruelty to animals, promoting gambling, promoting dangerous drugs, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of a firearm.

All were released pending further investigation. The cases will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for disposition.

“The raid was part of our continuing efforts to curtail illegal cockfighting and gambling activities,” said Lieutenant Henry Tavares, head of the Hilo Vice Section. Police last raided a cockfight on January 21, 2001, in Pepeekeo, South Hilo.

Tavares urged members of the public to call the police if they have any information of similar gambling activities. He said they may call the Hilo Vice Section at 961-2258, the Kona Vice Section at 326-4240 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. The identities of callers are kept strictly confidential.

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