Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend five Coffee With a Cop events this month in Kona for an opportunity to get to know their district police officers. These popular events are intentionally informal with no agenda. Topics of conversation can […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Keaolapule Fessenden-GracePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-055883 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old William Creary who was reported as a runaway. Creary was last seen in the Pahoa area on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 7:40 p.m. wearing a unknown colored shirt, dark colored […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Edward LewisPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 23-054518 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Elise Medeiros, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in North Kohala on Monday, June 5, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police Department                           Criminal Investigation Section – Area 1Lieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 19-078734 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for information regarding 37-year-old Jarryd Lee Kalanihuli Ah Quin who was reported missing in 2019. Ah Quin was 34 years old when he last seen in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision area during […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II OperationsAssistant Chief Chad BasquePhone: (808) 326-4646Report Numbers: 23-055527 and 23-055719 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating two ocean-related deaths that took place within 24 hours of each other in West Hawai‘i. The two unrelated incidents both involved visitors. On Wednesday June 7, 2023 at 7:54 p.m. Kona patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2344 Media Release As part of its continuing community outreach about the dangers of fentanyl, Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) provides monthly updates on the amount of fentanyl related arrests (possession/distribution) in Hawai‘i County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month. During the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that as of July 1, 2023, Hawai‘i County Animal Control Services will transition to become the Animal Control and Protection Agency, and will no longer be under the management of the police department.  Hawaiʻi County assumed responsibility of […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-029666 and 23-030185 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two runaways, a 16-year-old male and 17-year-old female, were located in Hilo in good health in separate incidents. Sage Fiesta-Silva, age 16, was located on Monday, June 5, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCommunity Policing Officer Ansel RobinsonPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release As part of their continuous outreach to engage youth in North and South Kohala in positive and fun-filled activities, Hawaii Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing section is proud to announce a free Keiki Fishing Derby on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Rickielee KamakauPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 23-038047 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a theft suspect who stole from a Kailua-Kona establishment. On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at about 10:24 a.m., it was reported that an unidentified male entered a Kailua-Kona business in the at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 29, 2023, through June 4, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Two of drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 266Report Number: 23-052582 Media Release A routine traffic stop resulted in an Ocean View man being arrested and charged for auto theft and multiple drug offenses. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit officers conducted a traffic stop on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Edward LewisPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 23-054518 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Elise Medeiros, who was reported as a runaway. Medeiros was last seen on Friday, June 3, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., in the 61-3900 block of Kailapa Street in Waimea wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Lawrence KobayashiPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-051872 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Nohea Nicoll, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in good health.              

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigative Section – Area IDetective Zenas PachecoPhone: (808) 961-2384Report No.: 23-049866 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request asking for the public’s assistance in locating 34-year-old Kelly Gravitt of Pāhoa, who was reported missing. Gravitt was last seen walking in the area of Pāhoa Village Road and Kauhale Street in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 266Report No.: 23-051736 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 30-year-old Terran Kaleiwahea Jr., of Mountain View, with various property and drug-related offenses after fleeing from police on Tuesday afternoon.      Shortly after 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-032060 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating three Puna men, considered armed and dangerous, who are wanted on outstanding warrants, and for questioning relative to additional on-going criminal investigations. The wanted individuals are identified as: […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release As we move into summer, Hawai’i Police Department reminds everyone to be mindful when it comes to infants and young children in hot vehicles. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature in a vehicle to rise significantly, putting our keiki […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 23-020759 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 40-year old Shawna Tidwell of Ocean View, who is wanted for two outstanding warrants and questioning for several other criminal investigations. Known to frequent the Kona and Ka‘ū areas, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 22, 2023, through May 28, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Three of drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 23-007433 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 21-year old Keoni Sanderson of Ocean View, who is wanted for five outstanding warrants and questioning for several other criminal investigations. Known to frequent the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 23-049684 Media Release (Update) Police have identified the elderly Kailua-Kona man who died following a single bicycle crash on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on Hinalani Street in North Kona, as 82-year-old Stuart S. Dunn. Responding to a 5:18 p.m. call, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Lawrence KobayashiPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-051872 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Nohea Nicoll, who was reported as a runaway. Nicoll was last seen in the 100 block of Lanikaula Street in Hilo on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., wearing a red […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 263Report No.: 23-051730 Media Release (Update #1) Hawaiʻi Island police are continuing their investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision on Saturday afternoon, May 27, 2023.    Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Ka‘u patrol […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Marco K. SegobiaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 23-040348 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the community’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Jasmine Swartz of Kailua-Kona, who was recently reported missing by her family.  Swartz was last seen three years ago in Kona. She is an described as Asian, 4 feet 11 inches […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 23-052614 Media Release A 46-year-old Waimea man suffered severe injuries following a two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, on Kawaihae Road near the 63-mile marker in South Kohala.     Responding to a 1:33 p.m. call, police determined that the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 23-050641 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 34-year-old Calla Renata Grace Mae Weddington of Pahoa with various offenses following a violent incident that occurred earlier last week at a residence on Lehua Drive in Pahoa. The charges against […]

Correction: A previous media release regarding the dog attack that occured last weekend in Puna stated that, prior to this incident, authorities reported no previous reports or incidents involving the dogs being loose in the area of where the attack occurred. After several inquiries, investigators conducted a more thorough search of the police department’s records, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Blayne MatsuiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-051775 Media Release Correction: This media release has been updated to reflect the correct section of the Hawai’i County Code, 4-4-32 used to charge the dog owner, who was charged with: We apologize for the error. Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a Pahoa man following […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 263Report No.: 23-051730 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested a 47-year-old Ocean View man for attempted murder following a shooting in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision on Saturday afternoon, May 27, 2023, that left a 32-year-old Ocean View man in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Mark KailiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-051456 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Uilani Leaverton, who was reported as a runaway. Leaverton was last seen in the Mountain View area on Friday, May 26, 2023, at approximately 6:40 a.m. wearing a pink shirt, black […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Mark KailiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-051427 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Jaysha Weber, who was reported as a runaway. Weber was last seen in the Mountain View area on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 6:40 a.m., wearing a yellow shirt, a gray […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-051008 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Joseph Guadalupe of Volcano, who was reported missing.  Gaudalupe was last seen walking in the area of Waianuenue Avenue and Rainbow Drive in Hilo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 9:00 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IIDetective Grad ElarionoffPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 312Report No.: 23-050242 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Ralphlyn Quitugua, of Kailua-Kona, with multiple drug offenses after recovering crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana during the execution of a search warrant on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023. Officers from […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 15, through May 21, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic collisions. One of drivers was under the age of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-036620, 23-098904, 23-040838 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that three East Hawai‘i female runaways have been located in good health. All three were located in Hilo in separate incidents. The found runaways include:

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Sharlotte BirdPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 278Report No.: 22-014086 Media Release (Update #5)       Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance with locating Tara Lasham, who is wanted on an outstanding warrant and for questioning relative to a custodial interference investigation. Lasham may […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Kelena HookanoPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 23-050329 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Ella Ishoda who was reported as a runaway. Ishoda was last seen on Monday May 22, 2023, at 6:00 a.m., at her residence in the 75-5800 block of Kuakini Highway, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has launched its annual Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign now through Sunday, June 4, 2023. The goal of the public awareness campaign is to remind drivers that seat […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-050344 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Arieana Balbin, who was reported as a runaway. Balbin is classified as an endangered missing child due to her age. Balbin was last seen leaving Kea‘au Middle School in Puna on Tuesday, May […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No. 23-049578 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged two Hilo men with various offenses following the break-in of a Downtown Hilo business owner’s vehicle.    On Monday afternoon, May 22, 2023, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives charged […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Dorian TraversPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No. 23-045292 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that Gloria Hanato, who was previously reported as missing, was located on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, in good health. The Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the public for providing tips and information that helped to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 23-049684 Media Release An elderly Kailua-Kona man died following a single-bicycle collision on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on Hinalani Street in North Kona. The man has not been positively identified. Responding to a 5:18 p.m. call, police determined that a silver Dean Titanium Road […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-038913 and 23-047422 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified two pedestrians killed in separate traffic collisions in East Hawai‘i during the past month. At 6:58 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, Puna patrol officers responded to a traffic collision in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 8, 2023, through May 14, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 23 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. None of drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-058621 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Jennifer Michelle Showen, of the Hawaiian Shores subdivision in Pahoa. Showen has not been seen or heard from by her family and friends since July […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release As part of our recruitment efforts to make it easier for individuals to serve as police officers, the Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) has opened continuous recruitment effective immediately. Previously, those interested in becoming a police officer could only apply twice a year during […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community PolicingCommunity Policing Officer Joshua  BaumgarnerPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release Nearly 400 keiki, ranging in age from two to 17 years old, displayed the paniolo spirit at the Hawaii Keiki Rodeo held at the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, 2023. The fun community event was organized […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-048060 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have initiated an attempted murder investigation following a shooting incident in Honoka‘a on Tuesday evening, May 16, 2023, that left a 39-year-old man in critical condition. On Tuesday evening, shortly after 6:00 p.m., Hāmākua patrol officers […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-047422 Media Release (Update #1) Hawai‘i Island police are continuing to investigate a fatal hit and run collision that occurred on Sunday evening, May 14, 2023, in the northbound section of Highway 11, fronting Glenwood Park, in Volcano. The driver involved in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-044109  Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for information relative to a May 2022 homicide in Nānāwale Estates that left 36-year-old Junio Resun dead. On May 21, 2022, shortly before 3:00 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded to the intersection […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 23-047101 Media Release (Update #1) Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged the driver involved in a South Kona hit-and-run collision on Saturday, May 13, 2023, that left a 24-year-old male pedestrian critically injured. Alec Lyle Timpson, age 30, of Captain Cook, turned himself […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Patrol                                          Sergeant Michael SantosPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-038904 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Jaysea Smith who was reported as a runaway. Smith was last seen in the 1700 block of Kino‘ole Street in Hilo on Thursday April 20, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. wearing a black […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-047422 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a vehicle and pedestrian collision that left one man dead. The collision occurred in the northbound section of Highway 11 in Volcano on Sunday evening, May 14, 2023.  Responding to a 9:45 p.m. report […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 23-047101 Media Release A 24-year-old Captain Cook man suffered critical injuries following a hit-and-run collision on Saturday, May 13, 2023, on Highway 11, near the 110-mile marker in South Kona in the area of Arthur Greenwell Park.  The male has not been positively […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 1, 2023, through May 7, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 18 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One of the drivers was under the […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo and South Kohala Community Policing Sections invite members of the public to join them for Coffee with a Cop at two events in Hilo and a third in South Kohala. Coffee With a Cop is an international […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-041974, 23-031252, 23-019466 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that three East Hawai‘i female runaways have been located in good health. The found runaways include:

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-044599 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 30-year-old Chace Kakela Gambill with an array of firearms and drug offenses.   The charges against Gambill stem from an incident reported on Saturday, May 6, 2023, shortly after 5:00 p.m., when […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 23-043018 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Shanice Ogata-Staudinger of Puna who is wanted on an outstanding warrant in connection with an assault investigation. Ogata-Staudinger is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Gyasi WilliamsPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 23-045292 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man who is a person of interest in an assault investigation that took place at a Kailua Kona beach. Around 6:03 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, it was reported that […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that effective immediately, police officers are now authorized to use pickup trucks with an open bed as subsidized police vehicles. In the coming weeks, Hawai‘i Island residents may see more subsidized police pickup trucks on the road and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors are invited to attend Police Week festivities, including station tours, during the national event next week. Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Dorian TraversPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No. 23-045292 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Gloria Hanato of Kealakekua, who was reported missing. Hanato was last seen in the Kealakekua area on Friday, May 5, 2023. She is described as Hawaiian/Japanese/Filipino with a light brown […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2344 Media Release Hawai’i Police Department (HPD) is committed to fighting drugs on island and apprehending those that distribute and sell illegal narcotics. In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i. Criminal drug networks are mixing […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-044317 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Ocean Keanaluokona Hegent, following a violent assault at a residence in Kea‘au, on Friday evening, May 5, 2023. On Saturday afternoon, May 6, after conferring with Hawai’i County prosecutors, detectives charged […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend four Coffee With a Cop events this month in Kona for an opportunity to get to know their district police officers. Coffee With a Cop is an international program that is designed to help […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Joshua StenderPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 23-029666 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Sage Fiesta-Silva who was reported as a runaway. Fiesta-Silva was last seen in the Kailua-Kona area on Saturday, March 25, 2023, about 12:00 p.m., wearing a white Los Angeles Lakers hoodie, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 23-033266 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Shaeylnn Gomes, who was reported as a runaway. Gomes was last seen on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 2:45 p.m. in the area […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-038648 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 36-year-old Jason Leroy Kime with an array of additional offenses following the nearly six-hour-long standoff on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo, on Tuesday night, May 2, 2023. On Thursday evening, May 4, 2023, after conferring […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 263Report Number: 23-043233 Media Release Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Vice Section arrested and charged 39-year old Christopher Herbold, of Kailua-Kona, with drug offenses after police recovered more than 73 illicit fentanyl pills, 3 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-041759 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives have charged 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind, of Kurtistown, with murder following the violent slaying of his mother-in-law, 58-year-old Teri Lynn Apple, on Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023, in the Orchidland Estates subdivision of Kea‘au. On […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-043581 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 12-year-old Zealand Brickwood, who had previously been reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Thursday, May 4, 2023, in good health.  HPD thanks the public for their assistance.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 24, 2023, through April 30, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 20 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Three of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-043581 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 12-year-old Zealand Brickwood, who was reported as a runaway. Due to his age, Brickwood is classified as an endangered missing child. Brickwood was last seen at Coconut Island on Banyan Drive in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-041759 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives are continuing the homicide investigation following a domestic-related incident in Puna on Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023, that left a 58-year-old woman dead. The victim has been positively identified as Teri Lynn Apple. An […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Jason LinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No. 23-041974 and 23-036620 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two female teens, both age 14, who were reported as runaways in separate incidents in East Hawai‘i. Police ask anyone with information about Keliikoa’s or Salmo-Kaawa’s whereabouts to contact the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz has promoted 14 individuals within Hawai‘i Police Department: Six to the rank of Lieutenant, three to Sergeant, three to Detective, one to Supervising Police Communications Officer, and one to Police Operations Clerk. The promotions are effective May 1, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-041759 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives are continuing a homicide investigation following a domestic-related incident in Puna on Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023, that left a 58-year-old woman dead. The suspect, 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind, remains hospitalized in intensive care. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Keanu Lum WonPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 23-041970 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 13-year-old Passion Faamama was located in Volcano on Monday, May 1, 2023, in good health. 

Hawai’i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Keanu Lum WonPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 23-041970 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Passion Faamama, who was reported as a runaway. Due to her age she is considered a missing endangered child. She was last seen on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 9:00 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-041759 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation following a domestic-related incident early Friday afternoon, in the Orchidland Estates subdivision of Puna. Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, Puna patrol officers responded to an unknown-type disturbance […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-028125, 23-039698 , and 22-057756 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that three East Hawai‘i runaways have been located in good health. The found runaways include: Tyrayjah Torres, age 15, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, April […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 277Report No.: 23-032503 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance identifying an unknown man responsible for burglarizing a Kailua-Kona school/church campus and stealing numerous items. On Sunday, April 2, 2023, an employee reported that sometime during the […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentKona Community PolicingOfficer Leonard WarrenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s (HPD) Kona Community Policing Section and the Hawai‘i Island Police Activity League (HIPAL) would like to thank the six teams and roughly 160 keiki that participated in its first-ever Outrigger Youth Canoe Regatta on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-040525 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged Justin Jay Flores and Theresa Pua Olena Borges, both 41-years-old, with an array of firearms and drug offenses.   On Wednesday afternoon, April 26, 2023, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Hunter RapozaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-040838 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Debra Jean Pavao who was reported as a runaway. Pavao was last seen in the Hawaiian Beaches area on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:09 a.m. wearing a grey sweatshirt and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Duane RapozaPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Community Policing Section invites members of the public to join them for Coffee with a Cop on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the downtown Hilo Starbucks, 438 Kilauea Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Community PolicingOfficer Chad SatoPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that while transporting cargo on any public roadway or highway, your load must be covered. Most of the litter on or near our roadways is not intentionally thrown.  Rather, it has more often than not, been […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-029648 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for information relative to a traffic hit and run incident that occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 25, 2023, in the 200-block of West Lanikaula Street in Hilo. A white Dodge pickup truck with a black trailer […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIDetective Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 301Report No.: 22-071033 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old German Castillo, who was previously reported as a runaway. Castillo was last seen leaving a juvenile housing facility in Captain Cook on August […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 17, through April 23, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 13 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Nine of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. (Revised 4/24/23: to include two additional traffic collisions […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 267Report No.: 23-005605 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Justina Alves of Ocean View who is wanted for an outstanding bench warrant and for questioning in other criminal investigations. She is known […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251                                                                                      Report No.: 22-074105 Media Release (Update #3) Hawai‘i Island police are once again renewing their request for information related to a traffic-related incident that occurred in August 2022, on Puainako Street in Hilo. The incident left 62-year-old Allen Y.L. Kealoha, of Pahoa, dead. On […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-039290 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested the Hawai’i Community Correctional Center (HCCC) inmate who escaped from the facility on Friday evening, April 21, 2023. On Saturday afternoon, at 1:04 p.m., 27-year-old Dyllan Kai‘ehu Paulo-Leslie, was taken into custody following an […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigations Division – Area IICaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 263Report Number: 23-038642 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 27-year old Dylan Alcain and 35-year old Leilani Alcain with a slew of offenses following a series of crimes that occurred on Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Kona. Leilani Alcain was initially […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Grant K ToddPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-039290 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Dyllan Paulo-Leslie, of Kailua-Kona, who escaped from the Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center on Friday evening, April 21, 2023. Paulo-Leslie was in custody for attempted murder and terroristic threatening cases for a […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefBenjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is pleased to announce that K9 Kim has joined the department’s Area II Vice Section. The newest member of the department is a two-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer who specializes in sniffing out narcotics. In early March, Officer Stephen Kishimoto […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 10, through April 16, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the age […]