Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 23-009838 Media Release A 31-year-old man, originally from Wisconsin, suffered severe injuries following a single-vehicle collision in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 29, 2023, in North Kona. The crash occurred on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, just south of the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Sharlotte BirdPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 278Report No.: 22-014086 Media Release (Update #3)       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 Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release A dedicated officer with a tremendous work ethic, Officer Manuel Soares was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for January 2023 during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona, on Wednesday, […]

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 requesting the public’s assistance in locating three individuals from Ocean View who are wanted for outstanding bench warrants and also for questioning in other criminal investigations. The three individuals are: Ronald Patrick Keahonui […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefPolice Chief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz’s statement on recent developments in the Dana Ireland murder investigation. “Since Dana Ireland was brutally raped and murdered on Christmas Eve, 1991, the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) has been dedicated to bringing her attackers to justice.  We acknowledge and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-008215 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that 27-year-old Evelyn Higgins of Keaʻau, who was previously reported missing, was located in Pahoa on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Greg MatiasPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-008156 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 43-year-old Ebn Wandell, of Hilo, with terroristic threatening after an incident on Tuesday afternoon, January 24, 2023, involving a suspicious bag at a retail shopping center in the 100 block of East Puainako Street in Hilo. At 12:58 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 23-008032 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged a man in with robbery, assault, and drug offenses stemming from an incident that occurred during the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at a gas station […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 23-006950 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 28-year-old Benjamin Jerin-Kealoha of Ocean View in connection with theft, drug, and traffic-related offenses stemming from an auto theft that occurred on Friday evening, January 20, 2023, at a […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-008215 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Evelyn Higgins of Keaʻau, who was reported missing.  Higgins was last seen on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Keaʻau observed wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of January 16, 2023, through January 22, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 23 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release After reaffirming his oath during a public swearing-in ceremony in Kona on Friday, January 20, 2023, Hawai‘i Police Department Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz laid out the top five priorities he plans to address during his first year as Chief. “I am grateful for the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-006795 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Rancey Sonny Kawika Lee, of Pahoa, with various offenses following the armed robbery of a fast food restaurant in Pahoa. The charges against Lee stem from an incident reported shortly after […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext.267Report Numbers: 23-006031 and 22-066523 (Update) Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 34-year-old Drosstain Pua, of Kona, with assault and property damage offenses after an incident involving four people in Ocean View on Wednesday, January 18. He was also charged with multiple […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Matthew LewisPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-007736 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 76-year-old William Bishop Sr. of Kea‘au, who was reported missing. He is considered endangered because of his age. Bishop was last seen on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolCaptain Akira EdmoundsonPhone (808) 939-2520Report No.: 23-005924 Media Release Hawai‘i Island Police report that 14-year-old Shayla Pascubillo of Pahala, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located on Friday, January 20, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Lawrence KobayashiPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-002228 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Shaelynn Gomes, who was reported as a runaway. Gomes was last seen in the area of Ponahawai Street and Kapiolani Street in Hilo on Friday, January 6, 2023, around 11:00 […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHāmākua PatrolCaptain Reynold KahalewaiPhone: (808) 775-7533Report No.: 23-006349 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a rear right side tire and rim that were removed from a backhoe owned by the State Department of Transportation Highways Division. The investigation stems from a theft that occurred on the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolCaptain Akira EdmoundsonPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 23-005924 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Shayla Pascubillo of  Pāhala, who was reported as a runaway. Pascubillo was last seen at her residence in Pahala on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. She is described as Polynesian with a […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-005035 and 23-005041 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two male teens, previously reported as runaways, were located in good health. Fifteen-year-old Aiden Becker, (Report No. 23-005035) and 17-year-old Deandre Moore, (Report No. 23-005041), were located in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of January 9, 2023, through January 15, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Four of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Lam DoanPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 23-005035, 23-005041, 23-005042 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating three male teens in east Hawai‘i, who were each reported as runaways. All three were last seen in the area of the 1700 block of Kino‘ole Street in Hilo […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251    Report No.: 23-005289 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 21-year-old Joshua Makana Jiro Ho, of Hilo, with first-degree murder following an early morning incident that led to the death of his grandparents on Monday, January 16, 2023. On Tuesday afternoon, January 17, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 23-001184 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 13-year-old Arieana R.K. Balbin of Kurtistown, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Friday, January 13, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Nicole Kanakaole-IoanePhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 23-004751 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 48-year-old Tonia Smith of Hilo, who was previously reported missing, was located in Kona on Friday, January 13, 2023, in good health. Hawai‘i Police Department thanks the public for their assistance in this matter.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolActing Lieutenant Jeremy S. LewisPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 253Report No.: 23-005355 Media Release (Correction: Victim’s name was initially reported as Mark Knettle. Correct name is Mark Knittle.) Hawai‘i Island police have launched a missing person investigation after a 63-year-old man went overboard while fishing on a boat off Hōnaunau on Sunday morning. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251                                                                           Report No.: 23-005289 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation following an early morning incident on Makalika Street in Hilo that left two dead. Shortly before 7:00 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2023, South Hilo patrol officers responded to an […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Nicole Kanakaole-IoanePhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 23-004751 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 48-year-old Tonia Smith of Hilo, who was reported missing. She has a medical condition that requires medication and therefore is considered “at risk.” Smith was last seen on Friday, January 13, 2023, around […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IActing Sergeant Clifford AntonioPhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-004620 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a traffic collision that occurred Saturday morning, January 14, 2023, in Kea‘au involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that left one man dead.  At 5:09 a.m. on Saturday, Puna patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IActing Sergeant Clifford AntonioPhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-004567 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision that occurred on Friday evening, January 13, 2023, on Aulii Street near the 41st Avenue intersection in Kea‘au that left one woman dead. Responding to the reported traffic collision at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release For the year 2022, there were 979 DUI arrests compared to 1,081 in 2021, a decrease of 9.4 percent. The numbers of arrests by district were: District For the Year 2022       Hāmākua   8 North Hilo   4 South […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 22-033079, 22-038330, 22-088142, 22-050458, 22-116086, 22-058809, 22-081646 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that the following runaways were located in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Marco K. SegobiaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 253Report No.: 23-003871 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible assault that occurred at a shopping plaza in Keauhou on Wednesday evening, January 11, 2023. When officer’s arrived on scene at 10 p.m., they located a 30-year-old Kailua-Kona man unconscious on the ground […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Shane HanleyPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-001184 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Arieana R.K. Balbin of Kurtistown, who was reported as a runaway. Balbin was last seen in the 16-2400 block of Ainaloa Drive in Kurtistown, on the morning of Tuesday, January […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-109771 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that Mary Kaniho, who was previously reported missing, was located in Waimea on Wednesday, January 11, 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 DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Chester FrancoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-113271 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance for information pertaining to a theft investigation that was reported on December 21, 2022, at a storage facility in the area of the 400 block of Kalanianaole Avenue in Hilo.  The victim reported […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of January 1, 2023, through January 8, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 28 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000533 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have identified the badly burned body that was discovered in a large banyan tree on Banyan Drive in Hilo, on Monday, January 2, 2023. The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Deborah Ann Cohn-Hoomalu, of Hilo. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Landon TakenishiPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-107212 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a female suspect involved in a theft that took place at a grocery store in Kamuela on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 5:27 p.m. The suspect was seen on video surveillance walking out […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-109771 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Mary Kaniho of Waimea, who was reported missing by her family. Kaniho was last contacted on December 9, 2022, in the Waimea area. However, new information has come […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Andrew BurianPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department invites the Hawai‘i Island community to watch the swearing in of newly-appointed Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz in two upcoming events: the official private swearing in on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in Hilo, which will be livestreamed, and a larger, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release As part of Hawai‘i Police Department’s ongoing community outreach efforts, Area II Community Policing Officers invite the public to three Coffee With a Cop events in Kona this month. Coffee With a Cop events will take place from 8 – […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-002116 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision that occurred Friday afternoon, January 6, 2023, on Kalaniai Road in the area of Keahua in Honoka‘a that left one man dead. Responding to the reported traffic collision at 5:10 p.m. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-001973 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 66-year-old Mary Raye, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Pahoa on Saturday, January 7, 2023 in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-115164 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 42-year-old Nathan Kalani Niihau with various property and drug-related offenses after he was located sleeping within a stolen truck in Hilo.   On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, South Hilo patrol officers responded […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226Report No.: 23-001011 Media Release Members of the Area II Vice Section recovered a large quantity of illegal drugs with a street value of more than $50,000 after arresting two men in Kona on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The two men, 38-year-old […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-093678 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Thursday, January, 5, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 26, 2022, through December 31, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested (14) motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-114588 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Sione Koula Sipinga, of Pahoa, with attempted murder and numerous firearm-related offenses following a violent altercation in the Leilani Estates subdivision early Christmas morning, December 25, 2022. On Thursday morning, January […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 23-001162 Media Release A 31-year-old Waimea man released on bail for recent fireworks and drug offenses, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree terroristic threatening after he threatened a Hawai‘i Police Department officer. Following a month-long investigation, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-001973 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 66-year-old Mary Raye of Pahoa, who was reported missing. She is considered endangered because she requires medication for a medical condition. Raye was last seen in the area of Kalapana Gardens in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-001350 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the man who jumped off the Puueo Bridge in downtown Hilo, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, as 71-year-old David P. Crowley of Hilo. An autopsy was performed Thursday afternoon, January 5, 2023, and the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 23-000712 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 33-year-old Jason King Hall, of Hilo, with sex assault and various domestic-related offenses following an altercation Monday night, January 2, 2023. On Thursday morning, January 5, 2023, after conferring with Hawai’i […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000246 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 22-year-old K-One Howard, of Eva Beach, Oahu, with assault following a New Year’s Day incident in Hilo. On Sunday, January 1, 2023, shortly after 2:30 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-000631 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 26-year-old Ashlee Pruett, of Hilo, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Joshua Rodby-TomasPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-001325 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested two adults and three juveniles after a report of a large affray in downtown Hilo on Wednesday afternoon, January 4, 2023. At 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a large affray in the area of the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-001350 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation after a man reportedly jumped to his death off the Puueo Bridge, in Downtown Hilo on Wednesday evening, January 4, 2023. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000195 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 21-year-old Yasmine Michelle Lilia Butterfield, of Kalapana, with various domestic-related offenses following a violent altercation Saturday night, December 31, 2022. On Wednesday afternoon, January 4, 2023, after conferring with Hawai’i County prosecutors, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-116538 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating an incident that occurred on Friday evening, December 30, 2022, in Puna, which left an unidentified pedestrian injured and a vehicle operator dead. Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Puna patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-067798 Media Release (Update #2) Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the community’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Landon Fairbanks who has been reporting missing. Fairbanks was last seen on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-072935 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Deandre Moore, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Ka’ū  on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226Report No.: 22-116327 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police charged a Waimea couple with more than a half dozen drug offenses, as well as illegal fireworks violations on Saturday evening, December 31, 2022, following their arrest on Friday, December 30. After a month-long […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                  Acting Chief Andrew BurianPhone: (808) 961-2261Report No.: 23-000606 Media Release Hawai’i Island police detectives are investigating an incident that left a 38-year-old Puna man dead on Monday evening, January 2, 2023. On Monday evening, shortly after 5:00 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a reported active attempted suicide call […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-000631 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Ashlee Pruett, of Hilo, who was reported missing. Pruett was last seen in the downtown Hilo area in November. She is described as local, 5 feet 1 inches tall, 135 pounds, with a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-000533 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are investigating the discovery of a badly burned body on Banyan Drive in Hilo. Shortly before 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2023, the Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to a report of a large banyan tree on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Kaipo AurelloPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.:  22-116561 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 12-year-old Zealand Brickwood, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Saturday, December 31, 2022, in good health. Due to his age, he had been considered an endangered missing child. Hawai‘i Police Department thanks […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-116538 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a male pedestrian believed to have been struck by a vehicle on Friday evening, December 30, 2022, in Hawaiian Beaches. On Friday evening, shortly after 9:30 p.m., Puna patrol […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Kaipo AurelloPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.:  22-116561 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, he is considered and endangered missing child.  Brickwood was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.  Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 96th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo. This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christian SchaberPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 22-115942 and22-116245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two men, reported missing in separate instances, were both located in good health. John Beitler (Report #22-115942), who was reported missing on Thursday, December 29, 2022, was located that same day on Oahu. In an unrelated […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christian SchaberPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-116245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 88-year-old Kenneth Kubo, who was reported missing and is considered endangered. Kubo was last seen on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 6:50 a.m., in the 400 block of Hinano Street, in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionOfficer Leonard WarrenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 258 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) would like to thank the Big Island community for their tremendous contributions to the recent water bottle/hydro flask drive. From September through November, HPD’s Kona Community Policing Section, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Aloha Maps, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth BugadoPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that effective Friday, December 30, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., Assistant Police Chief Andrew Burian will serve as Acting Police Chief until Tuesday, January 17, 2023, when Benjamin Moszkowicz is sworn in as the new police chief. Moszkowicz was […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Christopher BartoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-115942 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old John Beitler, of Hilo, who was reported missing. Beitler was last seen in the area of Banyan Drive in Hilo on Friday, December 9, 2022. Beitler is described as Caucasian, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionProgram Manager Torey KeltnerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release With Hawai‘i Island traffic fatalities at their highest level in a decade, Hawai‘i Police Department is urging motorists to drive safely and sober during the New Year’s holiday weekend. To date this year, there have been 34 fatalities on Big Island roads, compared […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-113192 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Aiden Becker, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 19, 2022, through December 25, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Four of the drivers was under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Roger Carvalho Jr.Phone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-113902 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 42-year-old Heather Heathman of California, who was previously reported missing, was located in Hilo on Friday, December 23, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 22-072935 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Deandre Moore who was reported as a runaway. Moore was last seen on August 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., in the area of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 22-113308 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have located 42-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, of Ocean View, who has been wanted since July 2021 for three outstanding arrest warrants, as well as for questioning in several other criminal investigations. On Sunday, December 25, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Aaron YamanakaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 258 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police, concerned about illegal aerial fireworks, are reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe New Year’s holiday. Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release As a result of his exhaustive efforts reviewing video surveillance footage that helped crack two murder investigations, Detective Anson Caceres was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for December 2022 during an awards ceremony […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Kenneth IshiiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-113192 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Aiden Becker who was reported as a runaway. Becker was last seen in the area of North Glenwood Road, in Mountain View, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. He […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-080840 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Gary Silva-Evangelista, who was reporting as missing. He has not been seen or heard from by his family since 2019. Silva-Evangelista has been known to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 12, 2022, through December 18, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Sharlotte BirdPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 278Report No.: 22-014086 Media Release      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 be in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Zenas PachecoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-112653 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man involved in a theft that took place at a business establishment in Kea‘au this week. On Monday, December 19, 2022, at 3:44 p.m., an unidentified male suspect was observed on video surveillance […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna DistrictSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-111647 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that Kainalu Cox, who was previously been reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his diligent efforts in a theft investigation, Patrol Officer Dallas Arce was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for November 2022 during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 22-111789 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal collision in Hilo Saturday morning that killed a 54-year-old Volcano man. The crash occurred in the Hilo-bound (northbound) section of Highway 11, in the area of the 5 mile-marker near Ikaika […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna DistrictOfficer Mark KailiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-111647 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Kainalu Cox of Ainaloa who has been reported as a runaway. Cox was last seen in the 200 block of West Puainako Street in Hilo on Friday, December 16, 2022, at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-109864 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the body that was discovered along the Hilo Bay shoreline, near Isles, in Hilo on Sunday, December 11, 2022. The victim has been identified as 64-year-old Randall Malakaua of Hilo. After an autopsy was […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release Hawaiʻi Police Department’s South Kohala Community Policing Section invites you to join them for “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Waimea Starbucks in the Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Māmalahoa Highway. These popular police outreach events […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community PolicingLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release Nearly 100 keiki ranging from three to 15 years old celebrated the Christmas spirit during the Hāmākua Christmas Carnival, co-sponsored by the Hilo Community Policing Section and the County of Hawai‘i Parks and Recreation Department. The community event, which was held on Saturday, December, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Ray FukadaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-110389 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a public accident case in connection with a shark attack that was reported on Tuesday morning, December 13, 2022, at Anaehoomalu Bay, in Waikoloa. A 68-year old Waikoloa man was swimming about 400 yards offshore around 8a.m. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of December 5, 2022, through December 11, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Rodney DelimaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-085548 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Jason Oharra, who was reported as a runaway, was located in Pahoa on Monday December 12, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-109140 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 44-year-old Jacob Walter Umemoto, of Hilo, with abuse family household member and various firearm offenses following a domestic-related incident with his 17-year-old daughter while at a residence on Hookina Place, in Hilo, on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-108119 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a robbery at a Hilo business on Tuesday morning, December 6, 2022. At approximately 9:34 a.m., on December 6, Hilo patrol officers responded to […]