Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Chase RassePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-020670 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Ricky Ramirez who was reported as a runaway. Ramirez was last seen the afternoon of Tuesday, February 28, 2023, on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo wearing a white t-shirt, green camoflague pants, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 23-019937 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision that occurred on Sunday evening, February 26, 2023, on Highway 137 near the 13mile-marker in Pāhoa that left one man dead. Responding to the reported traffic collision at 7:37 p.m. on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-018871 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the body that was discovered in Hilo Bay on Thursday afternoon, February 23, 2023, as 59-year-old David Michael McManus, of Waikoloa. He also frequently stayed at a residence in Hilo. Preliminary results of an […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-018871 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the discovery of a body in Hilo Bay. On Thursday afternoon, February 23, 2023, shortly after 4:15 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to the Hilo Bayfront area after […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Nicole Kanakaole-IoanePhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-018198      Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Serenity Salmo-Kaawa who was reported as a runaway. Salmo-Kaawa was last seen in the 500 block of Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, around 8:00 a.m., wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Kimberly Palea-SpringerPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-018389 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 36-year-old Elissa Karstu, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Hilo on Thursday, February 23, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of February 13, 2023, through February 19, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-069194 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Kayzlyn Grammer, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Kimberly Palea-SpringerPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-018389 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Elissa Karstu of Kea‘au, who was reported missing. She is considered endangered as she is in need of medication for a medical condition. Karstu was last seen in the area of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Taylor CruzPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-017864 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that 73-year-old Denese Fishburn, who was previously reported as missing, was located on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in the Nanawale Estates subdivision and in good health. Hawai‘i Island police thank the public for their assistance in this matter.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Taylor CruzPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-017864 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the community’s assistance in locating 73-year-old Denese Fishburn of Pahoa, who has been reported missing and is considered endangered as she has a medical condition that requires medication.  She was last seen on Monday, February 20, 2023, around 2:30 p.m. on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 23-016318 Media Release A 73-year-old California man suffered critical injuries following a single-vehicle collision on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the intersection of Henry Street and Hale Kapili Street in North Kona. The man has not been positively identified.  Responding to a 11:31 […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 23-012701 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 13-year-old Arieana R.K. Balbin, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 23-015992 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged a 55-year-old Waimea man for terroristic threatening after an incident yesterday in Waimea that resulted in an area school going into lockdown. Police received a report at 12:09 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, of a man […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 23-015992 Media Release On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, around 2:24 pm, South Kohala patrol officers, assisted by Area II Vice officers, arrested a 55-year-old man for terroristic threatening in Waimea. The incident began earlier in the day with a report of a man at a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department continues to encourage Hawai‘i Island residents to take the department’s Community Satisfaction Survey, which is open the month of February until 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The department conducts the survey every two years as part of its national […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release For his diligent efforts in solving a burglary investigation in Pāhoa, Officer Taylor Cruz was honored as Officer of the Month for October 2022 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i during a ceremony in Hilo on Thursday, January 19, 2023.  A patrol officer […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of February 6, 2023, through February 12, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 15 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One of the drivers was under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-069194 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Kayzlyn Grammer, who was previously reported as a runaway (Report #22-069194). Grammer was last seen on Aupuni Street in Hilo on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Numbers: 23-005042 and 22-069873 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two teens previously reported as runaways, were found in good health. Seventeen-year-old Jessiah Sablan-Cruz, was located in Hilo on Monday, February 13, 2023, (Report #: 23-005042). Fifteen-year-old Mary Costner […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Derek KenisonPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Nos.: 23-002228 and 23-014599 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Shaelynn K. Gomes of Hilo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in good health on Saturday, February 11, 2023, (Report #: 23-002228). However, Gomes subsequently ran away again later that same […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna DistrictSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-013275 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that Cara Miguel, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Pahoa on Thursday, February 9, 2023, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-067798 Media Release (Update #3) 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 […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant James D. SteffenPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 23-012701 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 afternoon of Saturday, Febuary 4, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionProgram Manager Torey KeltnerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Six weeks into the new year there have already been five traffic fatalities on island. With Super Bowl LVII happening this Sunday, February 12, Hawai‘i Island police have teamed up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind Big Island football fans […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-007736 Media Release (Update #2) Hawai‘i Island police are again renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 76-year-old William Romeo Bishop Sr. He was reportedly last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, January 22, 2023, in the area of his […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Mel VargasPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 23-013275 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Cara Miguel who has been reported as a runaway. Miguel was last seen in the Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) subdivision area in Kea‘au on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 10: 00 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department, in partnership with Target, Kona Community Hospital, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and other community organizations, will hold a free child safety seat clinic for families on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-112976 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old Thomas Bird who is wanted for an outstanding warrant out of Orange County, California.  Bird is 5 feet 11 inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown hair […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of January 30, 2023, through February 5, 2023, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. One of the drivers was involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                 Chief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244Report No.: 23-011680 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 32-year-old Aina Kealoha Bill Cachero, of Hilo, with an array of offenses following an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred late Friday morning, February 3, 2023, in Hilo. On Saturday afternoon, February 4, 2023, after […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 23-012313 Media Release Two men died following a single-vehicle collision in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in South Kohala. Responding to a 3:25 a.m. call, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is looking for qualified people interested in serving our Hawai‘i Island community as part of its upcoming recruitment for entry-level police officers. Recruitment opens on Sunday, February 5, 2023, and will close at 11:59 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolOfficer Rodney Kekaualua, Jr.Phone: 939-2520Report No. 23-010698 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Ashlea Graff, who was reported missing on January 31, 2023. Graff was last seen in the Kona area in mid-October 2022. Although she has no permanent address, Graff is known to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                  Chief Benjamin T. MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244Report No.: 23-011680 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred late Friday morning in Hilo. On Friday, February 3, 2023, at approximately 11:35 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to the 500 block of Kukuau Street in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of January 23, 2023, through January 29, 2023, Hawai`i Island police arrested 23 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-011341 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Khiara Lavinia Henry. She was reported missing on the island of Maui in late July 2019; however, her family recently received a tip of a possible sighting of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 301Report No.: 22-092496 Media Release Hawaii Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Tanaiyah Hao-Kallio of Ocean View, who was reported as a runaway. Hao-Kallio was last seen on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, near the intersection […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKa‘ū PatrolOfficer Joshua FloresPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 23-010622 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 53-year-old Miriam Miller of Kona, who was reported missing on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Miller was last seen in the Kona area on November 23, 2022. She is described as a local […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionProgram Manager Torey KeltnerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release With impairment playing a role in half of all traffic fatalities on Big Island roads in recent years, Hawai‘i Island police are urging motorists to think twice before driving impaired. While most people are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, many […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 277Report Numbers.: 22-111461, 23-000620, 23-005002 and 23-005113 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police located a Kona man they had been seeking for an outstanding warrant and subsequently arrested and charged him for multiple vehicle thefts. Hudson Patrick Ho’oulu Sauer, age 28, was […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentAdministrative Services Communications SectionLieutenant Robert Fujitake Jr.Phone: (808) 961-8808 Media Release  Hawai‘i Island police report that Spectrum has successfully restored access to 911 telephone services in Hawaiian Paradise Park. The department thanks the public for their patience while this situation was resolved.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentAdministrative Services Communications SectionLieutenant Robert Fujitake Jr.Phone: (808) 961-8808 Media Release  Hawaii Police Department received reports of Hawaiian Paradise Park residents in Kea‘au experiencing issues accessing 911 services by telephone. At this time, the issue seems to be limited to AT&T customers. If residents are in need of assistance and are unable to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 302Report No.: 22-057756 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Kamalii M.K. Lawelawe, who was previously reported as a runaway. Lawelawe was last seen at his residence in the Kealakehe area on Sunday, July 3, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Benjamin MoszkowiczPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz invites members of the public to take the department’s Community Satisfaction Survey, which runs today, February 1, 2023, through 4:00 p.m. February 28, 2023. The department conducts the survey every two years as part of its national accreditation […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Thomas ShopayPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 263Report No.: 23-009730 Media Release The Hawai’i Police Department is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred in Pāhala on Saturday afternoon, January 28, 2023. Shortly before 5 p.m. on Saturday, two officers went to a residence on the 92-1100 block of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IIDetective Grad ElarionoffPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 312Report No.:  23-009178 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 36-year-old Omar Gonzales, of Honoka‘a, with multiple drug offenses after recovering marijuana and cocaine during the execution of a search warrant on Friday morning, January 27, 2023. Officers from the Area […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Policing Officer Darren AbalosPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release Hundreds of keiki from across Hawai‘i Island, age six to eight years old, recently participated in the Hawai‘i Island Police Activity League (HI-PAL) T-Ball/Coach Pitch baseball tournament hosted by Hawai‘i Police Department at the Kawananakoa Gym in the Keaukaha area of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report Numbers: 19-078734, 21-052465, 22-058621 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives are continuing the investigations into several missing individuals from the Puna District over the past few years. Jarryd Lee Kalanihuli Ah Quin, age 37, was reported missing in early October 2019, (Report #: […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are reminding motorists to drive with caution and move over when they see emergency vehicles on our island roadways. It’s not just public courtesy, it’s also the law. The “Move Over Law” 291C-27, was put in effect to help protect […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 23-007736 Media Release (Update #1) Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 76-year-old William Romeo Bishop Sr. He was reportedly last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, January 22, 2023, in the area of his home […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 277Report Numbers: 22-111461, 23-000620, 23-005002, and 23-005113 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Hudson Patrick Ho‘oulu Sauer, of Kona, who is wanted for an outstanding warrant of arrest relative to several vehicle thefts (Report […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report Numbers: 22-069688, 22-069580, 23-000085, 22-115164, 23-003933, 23-003944, 23-009167, 23-009145 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance for information regarding the identity of individuals responsible for a series of ATM thefts in the Kona area. All the thefts […]

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 […]