Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

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, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 24-017419 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance for information regarding a vandalism incident in which two vehicles were damaged on the evening of Monday, February 19, 2024, in a public parking lot in Kailua-Kona. On Wednesday, February 21, a 43-year-old […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report Numbers: 24-007971 and 24-018245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two teenagers, who were each previously reported as runaways, were located in Hilo in separate incidents on Wednesday evening, March 13, 2024. They were both found in good health.

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolActing Captain Roylen ValeraPhone: (808) 887-3080Report Numbers: 24-021745 and 24-022292 Media Release (Update #2) On Wednesday evening, March 13, 2024, South Kohala patrol officers arrested 23-year-old Tyson Stephens in Waikoloa in connection with their investigation into a Waikoloa Village burglary and unauthorized entry to a dwelling. Stephens is also a person […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No. 24-024288 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 24-year-old Kyla Miyasato of Hilo , who was previously reported as a missing person, was located in Hilo on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in good health.

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of March 4, through March 10, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 14 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 […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolActing Captain Roylen ValeraPhone: (808) 887-3080Report Numbers: 24-021745 and 24-022292 Media Release (Update #1) Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for information in locating 23-year-old Tyson Stephens, who is a suspect in a Waikoloa Village burglary and an unauthorized entry of a dwelling investigation. Stephens is also a person of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Alexis Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-024288 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Kyla Miyasato of Hilo, who was reported missing. Miyasato was last seen on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 8 p.m. on East Kawili Street in Hilo wearing a gray-colored sweater and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolCaptain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-023992 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a 27-year-old Hilo man as part of their investigation of a traffic collision that occurred on the Wainaku Street bridge in Hilo just after midnight on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Responding to a report of a single-vehicle […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 24-022580 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 31-year-old Michael Kamahele of Hilo, and 27-year-old Jessinie Akui of Volcano, with an array of theft, firearms, and drug offenses following a burglary in the Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) subdivision in Kea‘au on the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 24-023148 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 23-year-old Dylan Riley Balangatan of Hilo with auto theft and theft after a company van was reported stolen from a Hilo business on Saturday, March 9, 2024. About 11:26 a.m., an employee of a […]

Hawaiʻi Police Department                                               Office of the ChiefChief Benjamin Moszkowicz                                                        Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi recognized Puna Patrol Officer Chance Lunsford as 2023 Officer of the Year and Hawai‘i Fire Department Firefighter Anson Arakaki as Firefighter of the Year during a ceremony on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-022918 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested 49-year-old Shane Curry Bloking, of Nā‘ālehu, with fourth-degree sexual assault following an incident that occurred on Friday evening, March 8, 2024, on board an airline flight bound for Honolulu, from Hilo International Airport. As the […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictActing Captain 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, March 15, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at McDonalds  in Waimea, 67-1154 Māmalahoa Highway. Come share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-022313 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 34-year-old Daniel Raymond Ulrich, of Orchidland, with domestic violence-related offenses following an incident at an address on Silveroak Drive, on Thursday morning, March 7, 2024.  At 5:39 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionOfficer / K9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 24-020141 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 12-year-old Herman Kirklin, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Pāhoa on Thursday evening, March 7, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 23-121614 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have identified the two men captured on video surveillance exiting a business on Maka‘ala Street in Hilo, in December 2023. The men were wanted for questioning relative to a reported sexual assault investigation.  Police were able […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentKona Community PolicingSergeant Brandon MansurPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253 Media Release Three Hawai‘i Police Department officers were honored for their passionate investigations and professionalism by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) in the first quarter of 2024. Officer Elijah Won was honored as Officer of the Month for January 2024, Officer Kyung Yu […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionOfficer / K9 Handler Corey KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 24-008620 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Saysha Kaholo-Hiapo, who was reported as a runaway. She was last seen on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11:25 p.m., in the Hilo area wearing […]

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. These popular events are intentionally informal with no agenda. Topics of conversation can […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-021191 Media Release   Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 38-year-old Adonis Benjamin Imaikalani Higa with sexual assault and an array of domestic violence related offenses following an incident reported on Sunday evening, March 3, 2024, in Pāhoa. Shortly before 8:00 […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of February 26, through March 3, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 15 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 DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolActing Captain Pernell HanoaPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 24-021771 Media Release A 26-year-old Pāhala man was arrested and charged for felony abuse and terroristic threatening after Hawai‘i Island police responded to a domestic incident at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. While Ka‘ū patrol officers were en route to the reported domestic […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolOfficer Justin UrestiPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 24-021745 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 23-year-old Tyson Stephens, who is a suspect in a Waikoloa Village burglary and is also a person of interest in two additional burglaries and two trespassing investigations in the same area. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Lieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s (HPD) Community Policing Section extends a heartfelt mahalo to Hawai‘i County Councilwomen Heather Kimball, Cynthia Evans, and Michelle Galimba for their generous donation of three certified agricultural produce scales to help officers combat agricultural theft. Each portable scale […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Leonard WarrenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Island Police Activities League (HI-PAL) is teaming up with Kai’ Opua Canoe Club and Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club for the second annual HI-PAL Outrigger Canoe Regatta on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 24-019261 Media Release Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) are renewing their request asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in an early morning robbery in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. At 4:25 a.m., […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Matthew LewisPhone: (808) 965-2716Report Numbers: 23-085216, 24-016956, 24-013319 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that three teenagers, who were each previously reported as runaways, were all located on Thursday, February 29, 2024. All three were found in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionOfficer / K9 Handler Corey KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 24-018105 and 24-018245 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Cherish Ahulau-Kaleo, who was reported as a runaway. She had previously been reported as a runaway and was located in Puna on Friday, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-016422 Media Release (Update #3) Hawai‘i Island police detectives have conclusively ruled out foul play in the February 18, 2024, death of 29-year-old Kala’iokealaula Ashley Nicole Reyes Kanekoa of Kea‘au. Kanekoa had reportedly fallen off the sea cliff, into the ocean and later […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No. 24-019030 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking 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, in April 2023. He is described as Caucasian […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Todd PatarayPhone: (808) 965-2718Report No. 24-020141 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking 12-year-old Herman Kirklin of Mountain View, who was reported as a runaway on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Due to his age, he is considered endangered. He was last seen on the evening of Monday, February 26, on Lehua […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 24-018814 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Dylan Jessen Gapp, of Kea‘au, following an altercation in the Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) subdivision, on Sunday evening, February 25, 2024. On Monday, February 26, at 8:00 p.m., after conferring with the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHāmākua DistrictCaptain Reynold KahalewaiPhone: (808) 775-7533Report No.: 24-019824 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a 26-year-old Nevada woman with a variety of offenses following a series of events that started with a domestic incident in Kukuihaele on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Following the domestic incident, the woman continued to act in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionOfficer / K9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 24-009583 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Kiana Gilliland, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Volcano on Monday, February 26, 2024, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 24-019261  Media Release Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in an early morning robbery in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. At 4:25 a.m., Kona patrol officers […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-019142 Media Release Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section arrested and charged 31-year-old Jesse Franklin Gonsalves Canizo with felony abuse of a family household member following an incident in Pāhoa on Monday afternoon, February 26, 2024. At 5:17 p.m., […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Patrol  Captain Brian PrudencioPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 24-019829 Media Release On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Hawai‘i Island police responded to a report of an elderly missing man who was last seen in the area of the 800 block of Ainalako Road in Hilo. It was determined that 87-year-old […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of February 19, through February 25, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Five of the drivers were under the age […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 266Report No.: 24-019018  Media Release            Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 29-year-old Marty Pangelinan, of Hilo, with various offenses related to two robberies in Kailua-Kona on Monday, February 26, 2024.   At 11:50 a.m. on Monday, the 44-year-old female manager of a gas station […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2391Report No.: 24-019153 Media Release Two men were critically injured and one woman died following a two-vehicle traffic collision in Honomū on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), early Monday evening, February 26, 2024. Responding to the 6:07 p.m. call, police learned that a 2019 Ford pickup […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation SectionLieutenant Zachary FernandoPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No. 24-018454 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 18-year-old Russel Britos, of Hilo, with various offenses related to a Hilo auto theft.    The charges against Britos stem from an incident on Saturday, February 24, 2024, just after 1:00 p.m., in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 24-018053 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 35-year-old Kevin Bell of Kailua-Kona with numerous offenses following an eight-vehicle collision in Captain Cook, on Friday morning, February 23, 2024. At 10:38 a.m., police dispatch received numerous reports of a red pick-up truck […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea I Criminal Investigation DivisionCaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 24-016422 Media Release (Update #2) Hawai‘i Island police detectives continue to actively investigate the circumstances surrounding the February 18, 2024, death of a 29-year-old Kea’au woman, identified as Kala’iokealaula Ashley Nicole Reyes Kanekoa. There has recently been an influx of information being spread […]

Hawai‘i police Department Area I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-018504 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a 42-year-old Hilo man for child sex solicitation as part of a multi-agency undercover operation designed to identify and arrest individuals using the internet to facilitate sexual crimes against children. Between Friday, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 24-018772 Media Release An 18-year-old Honaunau man has been arrested for negligent homicide after a head-on crash Sunday afternoon, February 25, 2024, in Honaunau left a 49-year-old Kailua-Kona man dead. At 2:13 p.m., police responded to a traffic collision involving two […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of February 12, through February 18, 2024, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. One of the drivers was involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the age […]

Area I Juvenile Aid SectionLieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 24-016970 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 43-year-old Jerry Rosales, of Carson, California, with first-degree burglary and domestic related offenses following an incident in Hilo, on Tuesday morning, February 20, 2024. At 5:28 a.m., Hilo patrol officers responded to a domestic incident […]