Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Krimsen AbillaPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-067773 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 26-year-old Kendra Lynn Masang of Hilo, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Los Angeles, California, on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 266Report No.: 24-067279 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 16-year-old Carmella French, who was previously reported as an endangered runaway, was located in Kailua-Kona on Friday, July 26, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Keisan TamuraPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-067970 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39-year-old Shadrach Unea of Hilo, who was reported missing on Friday, July 26, 2024. He is considered endangered as he may be in need of medical attention. Unea was last seen on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū Patrol DivisionOfficer Melissa D’AngeloPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 24-067279           Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Carmella French, who was reported as a runaway. French is classified as an endangered runaway due to a medical condition. French was last seen in the 75-5600 block of Ali‘i […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Krimsen AbillaPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-067773 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Kendra Lynn Masang of Hilo, who was reported missing on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Masang was last seen in the area of Opua Road in Pepe‘ekeō on Monday, July 22. Masang […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Krimsen AbillaPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 24-064046 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Destiny Escobar of Hilo who was recently reported missing. She was last seen on Monday, July 1, 2024, walking in the area of Maunakai Street in Hilo wearing gray shorts and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Marco K. SegobiaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No. 24-066603 Media Release A 54-year-old woman who died on Monday, July 22, 2024, after a possible drowning in Kailua-Kona has been positively identified as Jennifer Kathleen Purcell of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Just before 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, Kona patrol officers, along with […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Patrol  Officer Shane HanleyPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-067432 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Marcello Silva Da Costa of Kailua-Kona. Silva Da Costa was last seen in September 2023 in the Kailua-Kona area and was reported missing on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Silva Da […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 24-066706 Media Release (Update) Hawai‘i Island police have charged 34-year-old Garrett Aadom Duran of Kailua-Kona with negligent homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant after a pedestrian was struck and killed in a single-vehicle collision in Kona […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of July 15, through July 21, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                  Chief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release For her compassion and professionalism, Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Kohala Patrol Officer Kristi Crivello was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Kona on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Well versed in de-escalation and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release The Hawaii Police Department’s Hilo Community Policing Section recently teamed up with Vibrant Hawai‘i and their Youth Academy program, interacting with teens around the island on topics ranging from physical fitness to first responder skills.  Vibrant Hawai‘i’s Youth Academy program is an opportunity […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-062698 Media Release The two victims of a downtown Hilo robbery that occurred on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, were employees of a private company contracted by the State of Hawai’i to perform survey work. It was previously reported that their employer was contracted […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend three 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 DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Lieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s Police Athletic League (HI-PAL) and officers with the Hilo Community Policing Section held an outreach event on Friday, June 28, 2024, for the children of the Lanakila Housing Complex in Hilo. Part of an ongoing collaboration between HI-PAL […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Patrol  Captain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-062545 Media Release Early Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024, the Hilo International Airport experienced a brief halt in operations as Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) personnel responded to a report by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff that two items resembling grenades were detected during x-ray screening […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of July 1, through July 7, 2024, Hawai`i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident.   So far this year, there have been […]

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 […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Roylen ValeraPhone: (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, July 12, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at Starbucks in Waimea, at the Parker Ranch Center, 67-1185 Hawaiʻi Belt Road. Come share […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release With student summer break in full swing, multiple units of Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD), including the Hilo Community Policing Section, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, and South Hilo Patrol District are stepping up enforcement of underage drinking, curfew and park hours violations. “These […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Jenny LeePhone: (808) 961-2279Report No. 24-042776 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 39-year-old Nicholas Williams, who was previously reported as a missing person, was located in Hilo on Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release As we approach the Fourth of July, Hawai‘i Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), remind Hawai‘i Island residents to drive sober as part of the national “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” awareness campaign. Even […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 24, through June 30, 2024, 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.   So far this year, there have been […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Roylen ValeraPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release A South Kohala district police officer was recently honored for his outstanding investigative skills tracking down an armed and dangerous suspect wanted for a string of burglaries in Waikoloa Village earlier this year. Officer Justin Uresti was recognized as Officer of the Quarter for […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 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 Fourth of July holiday. Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community PolicingSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253 Media Release  Four Hawai‘i Police Department officers were honored for their outstanding and detailed investigations by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) in the second quarter of 2024. Officer Makena Nahooikaika was honored as Officer of the Month for April 2024, Officer Margot Babauta […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Zachary O. FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-056472 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation following the discovery of a 71-year-old woman found dead in her Hawaiian Acres home late last week. The victim has been identified as Yong Cha Kim of Mountain View. Detectives believe […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 17, through June 23, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 24-058892 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a 21-year-old Kailua-Kona man died in a two-vehicle collision in North Kona early Friday morning, June 28, 2024. Responding to a traffic collision reported at 4:47 a.m. on Māmalahoa Highway […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) officers, working in collaboration with volunteer medicinal cannabis patients, recently conducted training in detecting and addressing cannabis-impaired driving as part of the first-ever Cannabis Impaired Driving “Green Lab held in the state of Hawai‘i. Area II Traffic Enforcement […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Bradden KimuraPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 24-057823 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police launched a public accident investigation on Monday afternoon, June 24, 2024, in connection with a possible shark attack at Anaeho‘omalu Bay in Waikoloa.  Around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, a 20-year old male visitor from Romania was swimming about 15-20 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTechnical Services DivisionMajor Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 961-2262 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is warning the public of a phone scam after receiving reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as Hawai‘i Police Department officers. The scammers are posing as police officers. In one instance, a scammer posed as a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Five members of Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) were honored this week by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation for their efforts and dedication in the fight against drunk and drugged driving to reduce injuries and deaths […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 10, through June 16, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 25 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend three 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 DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No. 24-038312 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the male pedestrian involved in a fatal motor vehicle/pedestrian collision that occurred on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Volcano as 44-year-old Collins Kaholo of Volcano. Responding to the 12:25 p.m. call, officers learned that a […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Derek OkabayashiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 24-053872 Media Release  The Hawai’i Police Department reports that 17-year-old Isaiah Gravette, who was reported as a runaway, was located in Holualoa on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024 and in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Derek OkabayashiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 24-053872 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Isaiah Gravette, who was reported as a runaway. Gravette was last seen on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7:30 a.m.,  in Hōlualoa, however was not reported as a runaway until June […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Paul Wright IIIPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 24-050077 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 38-year-old Rachel Paul, who was previously reported missing, was located in Mountain View on Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024, in good health.

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 3, through June 9, 2024, 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. None of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Akira EdmoundsonPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 264Report No.: 24-052218 Media Release Detectives from Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section have arrested and charged 33-year-old Nakalohe Gersaba of Kailua-Kona with numerous offenses stemming from a spree of vehicle thefts reported in the Kona district. On Friday, June 7, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-052812 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives are requesting assistance in identifying three suspects involved in an assault at King’s Landing in Hilo on Saturday evening, June 8, 2024. Shortly before 8:00 p.m., Hilo patrol officers responded to an assault complaint at a […]

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 MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Jeremy Scott Lewis graduated as a member of the 289th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on March 15, 2024. Lt. Lewis is one of 197 law enforcement officers […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 20, through May 26, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 20 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 age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz has announced three promotions, one officer from Captain to Major, and two officers from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain, effective May 16, 2024. Jeremie Evangelista, a 29-year veteran of the department, is promoted to Major and assigned to […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionProgram Manager Torey KeltnerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release With 18 traffic fatalities thus far in 2024, a 100% increase from nine fatalities this time last year, Hawai‘i Police Department urges motorists to drive safely and soberly during this Memorial Day holiday weekend. Impaired driving continues to be a problem on our […]

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 […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 23-110375 Media Release (Update #2) Hawaiʻi Island police are renewing their request for information regarding 61-year-old Haunani Trask Gibson, of Pa‘auilo, who was reported missing in November 2023.   On November 11, 2023, a family member reported to have not heard from Gibson in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community PolicingCommunity Policing Officer Leonard WarrenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Officers would like to congratulate all the participants of the Hawai‘i Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) Youth Boxing Spring Showdown held Friday, March 22, 2024, in Kona.  The exciting youth sporting event was a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-049866 Media Release (Update #3) Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for information regarding 29-year-old Shanice Ogata-Staudinger, of Pāhoa, who was reported missing in July 2023. On the morning of July 9, 2023, Ogata-Staudinger was reportedly picking opihi with a relative in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Melani ClinePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 24-031245 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old JM Moses of Kea‘au, who was reported as a runaway. Moses was last seen in Hilo on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 2:15 p.m., wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, and […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of March 25, through March 31, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age […]

Correction: The sex of the victim has been corrected to “baby boy” after initially being published as “baby girl.” Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-116610  Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives have forwarded a 2022 Puna murder investigation to the County Prosecutor’s office for review. The victim is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                  Chief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release For his steadfast dedication to resolving unsolved homicides, Hawai‘i Police Department Detective Derek Morimoto of the Area I (East Hawai‘i) Criminal Investigation Section was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Len HamakadoPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 224Report No. 24-019030 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 40-year-old Daniel Immonen of Kailua-Kona, who was recently reported missing by family on the mainland. Immonen was last believed to be in the Kailua-Kona area, […]

Hawai ‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolOfficer Collin RobertsPhone: (808) 326-4646Report No. 24-031379 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 16-year-old Hailey Curtis of Kailua-Kona, who was reported as a runaway. Due to a medical condition that requires medication, Curtis is considered endangered. She was last seen in the 73-4200 block of Hulikoa Drive in Kailua-Kona […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release In conjunction with the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival, there will be a temporary one-way traffic pattern on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo. Traffic will be allowed to flow in the makai, or northerly, direction on Kalanikoa Street between Pi‘ilani Street to Kuawa […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 24-008620 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 17-year-old Saysha Kaholo-Hiapo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Kea‘au on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release For her diligence in conducting two investigations that resulted in suspects being held accountable for their crimes, Puna Patrol Officer Chyann Gabriel was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on February 7, 2024. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 24-029778 Media Release (Update#1) Hawai‘i Island police have identified the motorcyclist who died from a fatal two-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo on Friday evening, March 29, 2024, as 26-year-old Jared Tellio-Flournoy of Hilo. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolSergeant Tyler ProkopecPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 24-029921 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal home accident incident involving an elderly man and a riding lawn mower that occurred Saturday afternoon, March 30, 2024, at a Waimea residence. Around 1:15 p.m., South Kohala patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Traffic Enforcement UnitActing Sergeant Dayson TaniguchiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 24-029887 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a two-vehicle traffic collision in Waikoloa on Saturday, March 30, 2024, that left two elderly women dead. Responding to a 11:39 a.m. call, police determined that a blue 2020 Kia Soul SUV […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-028571 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Tatiyana Kalauli-Eweau, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Wednesday, March 27, 2024,  in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No. 24-029778 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo, on Kalanianaole Street between Kauhane Avenue and Pua Avenue, Friday evening, March 29, 2024, that left a 26-year-old motorcyclist dead.    Responding to a traffic collision at 11:39 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Joshua WillingPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-028948        Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 87-year-old Michael Clark, who was previously reported missing, was located on Thursday, March 28, 2024 on Oahu. 

Hawai’i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Shawn Mirafuentes  Phone: (808) 935-3311Report No.:  24-029274 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 12-year-old Kepene Burrows, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Pāhoa on Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-025388 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance with a reckless endangering investigation where a firearm was suspected of being discharged fronting a business establishment in Hilo.  On Saturday, March 16, 2024, around 3:34 a.m., Hilo patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Shawn Mirafuentes  Phone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 24-029274 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 12-year-old Kepene Burrows, who was reported as a runaway on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Due to his age, he is considered as an endangered missing child. Burrows was last seen in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Christian SchaberPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-028571        Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Tatiyana Kalauli-Aweau who is reported as a runaway. She was last seen in the 1100 block of Railroad Avenue in Hilo, on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, around 1:00 p.m. wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-027917 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged two individuals with an array of offenses following a violent kidnapping incident in Hilo early Sunday morning, March 24, 2024. Thirty-two-year-old Nathan Kaleo Pedro, of Pāhoa, and 30-year-old Jackie Napuaokalani Carter, of Hilo, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Joshua WillingPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-028948        Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 87-year-old Michael Clark of Hilo who was reported missing. Clark was last heard from on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. but not reported missing until Wednesday, March 27. He is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-028452 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with any information regarding a motor vehicle collision that occurred on Monday evening, March 25, 2024, on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 11), at the intersection of Keopuka Mauka Road in Kealakekua. At 9:29 p.m., Kona […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of March 18, through March 24, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eleven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionOfficer / K9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 24-012026 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Kinser Rofes, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Monday, March 25, 2024, in good health.

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 DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 23-098065 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that 44-year-old Dorson “Buddy” Behrendt of Ocean View was arrested in Ka‘ū on Saturday, March 23, 2024. The Hawai‘i Police Department previously issued a media release requesting the public’s assistance locating Behrendt after he was indicted […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 24-022016 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 20-year-old Matthew Koi, of Nā‘ālehu, who is wanted for an outstanding bench warrant, as well as for questioning in two investigations regarding an auto theft and a separate unauthorized entry […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Melani ClinePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.:  24-026731 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 33-year-old Kuuipo Thomas, who was previously reported missing, was located in Volcano on Sunday morning, March 24, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-027577 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Clayton Ernest Saragosa, of Mountain View, with various offenses stemming from the heinous abuse and starvation of a two-year-old girl. On Saturday morning, March 23, 2024, shortly after 2:00 a.m., Hilo patrol […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 24-025869 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Junson Heckerz and 34-year-old Justina Alves, both from Ocean View, who are wanted for outstanding bench warrants and for questioning in other criminal investigations. Heckerz has two outstanding warrants […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolActing Sergeant Kyung YuPhone: (808) 326-4646 ext. 253 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is warning the public of a phone scam after receiving an uptick in reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as Hawai‘i Police Department officers or court officials. The scammers are calling with altered caller […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid Section Lieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-017064 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Leanna-Jahzet Navarrete, of Pāhoa, who was reported as a runaway. Navarette was last seen just after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, on Kino‘ole Street in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz announces the promotion of Scott Amaral, a 23-year veteran of the department, from Captain to Major, effective January 1, 2024. He is assigned to the Area I Field Operations Bureau, which encompasses the police department’s East Hawaii districts of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 24-027781 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo on Saturday, March 23, 2024, that left two women dead. Responding to the reported traffic collision at 5:44 p.m., police learned that a 2007 Honda Accord was traveling south […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-026578 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 41-year-old Stanton Anson Joaquin, of Mountain View, with various domestic-related offenses following a violent incident at a residence on Kaniela Road, early Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024. Shortly before 1:00 a.m., Puna […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 24-027222 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating after one man died and two men were injured in a fatal single-vehicle traffic collision on Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Highway, at the 18-mile marker, Thursday evening, March 21, 2024. Responding to a traffic collision […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Christopher J.K. FukumotoPhone: 808-935-3311Report No. 24-026758 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested a 30-year-old Pāhoa man for second-degree animal cruelty after receiving multiple tips regarding a video circulating on social media depicting a man beating a dog.  On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, police initiated a cruelty to animals investigation and identified […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of March 11, through March 17, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 13 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolOfficer Wilson GaniPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.:  24-024616 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking the public’s assistance in locating a 17-year-old Jaymelynn Pua-Queja of Nā‘ālehu who was reported as a runaway. Pua-Queja was last seen leaving her residence for school in the Nā‘ālehu area on the morning of Wednesday, March 13, 2024. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 24-025523 Media Release Three elderly men were injured and one elderly woman died in a fatal three-vehicle traffic collision on Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Highway at the 25-mile marker, on Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2024. Responding to a traffic collision at 2:04 p.m., […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251  Report No.: 24-025356 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police detectives have charged 45-year-old Justin Makoto Pittullo, following a nearly 9-hour standoff in Hilo late Friday night, March 15, 2024. After conferring with Hawai’i County prosecutors, Pittullo was charged Saturday morning with the following offenses: His […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Jason LinPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 24-024749 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Aulani Kahekalaokalani Alfapada who was reported as a runaway. Alfapada was last seen in the Mountain View area on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, however, not reported as a runaway until recently. […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251  Report No.: 24-025356 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested 45-year-old Justin Makoto Pittullo, of Hilo, with terroristic threatening and violation of a court order following a nearly 9-hour standoff at a Hilo residence Friday evening, March 15, 2024. Shortly after 10:30 p.m., South […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Bradden KimuraPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 24-025192 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a residential fire that occurred in the 68-0000 block of Akaula Street in Waikoloa on Friday afternoon, March 15, 2024. At 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of a residential fire at the Akaula Street residence. […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 266Report No.: 24-021745 and 24-022292 Media Release (Update #3) Hawai‘i Island police charged 23-year-old Tyson Stephens with an array of burglary, theft, and conditions of bail offenses following several burglaries in the Waikoloa area earlier this month. Stephens was wanted for a burglary […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release St. Patrick’s Day is one of our nation’s most popular holidays. It’s also one of the most popular drinking holidays, making it a dangerous time on our island’s roads. People are more likely to make poor decisions as a result of drinking, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2391Report No.: 24-019153 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the woman who died following a two-vehicle traffic collision in Honomū on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), early Monday evening, February 26, 2024, as 48-year-old Marcella Tellez from California. Responding to the 6:07 p.m. call, police […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-014628 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Aiden Gauge Becker, who was reported as a runaway. Becker, who had previously been reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Friday, February 12, 2024, […]