Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-087408 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating three Puna men wanted for outstanding warrants and questioning in several ongoing investigations. The men are identified as: Daesyn S. Pacheco-Muragin, of Mountain View, age 31, who is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-099764 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 22-year-old Donald James Sniffin, a resident of Honolulu who is originally from Hilo. Sniffin has been living in Honolulu; however, in late September he reportedly flew to Hilo. His […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-091384 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Uilani Ahuna, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Friday, November 4, 2022, in good health.

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of October 31, 2022, through November 6, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 26 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Chance LunsfordPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-099535 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating twin 15-year-old girls, Maiya Mattos-Eblacas and Shaiya Mattos-Eblacas, who were reported as runaways. Maiya and Shaiya Mattos-Eblacas were last seen in the area of the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Kea‘au on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release Making their way through dense forest in the pouring rain late at night, two officers spent hours searching for a missing woman in Mountain View. For their efforts in locating the woman, Officers Kyle Murray and Officer Devin Ah Chong were honored as Officers of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-079241 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 23-year-old Keoni Jorge Valdez, of Kailua-Kona, who is wanted for questioning in a sex assault investigation that occurred in Hilo. Valdez is described as 5 feet 8 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Todd PatarayPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 22-099530 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 45-year-old Skye Harris who is reported missing. He was last seen on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, around 2:30 a.m. on Anela Street in Hilo wearing a white t-shirt and light-colored shorts. He may […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolLieutenant Levon StevensPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 22-094404 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 17-year-old Chance Lebehn of Captain Cook, who was reported as a runaway.  Lebehn was last seen at his residence on Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2022. He is described as having a slim […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Lawrence KobayashiPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers.: 22-095557 and 22-097648 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Kawika Hassard, who was reported as a runaway, (report # 22-095557) was located on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, in Hilo, however he subsequently ran away again (report # 22-097648). Hassard was last seen in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron K. KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-098113 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 37-year-old Terriphena Yazzie, who was reported missing on November 4, 2022, was located in Hilo on November 5, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IActing Sergeant Clifford AntonioPhone: (808) 961-2339Report No.: 22-098311 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a traffic collision that occurred Friday evening in Kea‘au involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that left one man dead. On Friday, November 4, 2022, at 8:34 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-097674 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old Ocean View man with abuse and assault offenses stemming from a domestic-related incident that left a three-year-old boy in critical condition. Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-098113 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 37-year-old Terriphena Yazzie of Mountain View, who was reported missing. She is considered endangered because she is in need of medication for a medical condition. Yazzie was last seen in the area […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-097826 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a report of a man with a rifle walking in Waikoloa Village on Thursday morning, November 3, 2022. The same day, police arrested and charged a 42-year-old Waikoloa man on ammunition offenses and are continuing to investigate […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Police Officer Christopher J.K. FukumotoPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release An interagency warrant sweep conducted in the Hilo and Puna districts on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals wanted for a total of 13 outstanding warrants. Conducted by officers from the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Community Policing […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Community Policing Officers are holding three Coffee with a Cop events in Kona throughout November as part of the department’s ongoing community outreach efforts. Members of the public are invited to attend these informal and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the Police ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release For his leadership, high-level work ethic, and unwavering service to Hawai‘i Police Department and the community, Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins, was honored with the Haweo award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on Tuesday, November 1, […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of October 24, 2022, through October 30, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 18 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 DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2214Report No.: 22-097282 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department seeks your help in locating a missing “at-risk” person, 19-year-old Kaynan Kobayashi-Kawelo. He was last seen Tuesday evening, November 1, 2022, at 8:45 p.m., on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo wearing blue surf shorts and slippers. Kobayashi-Kawelo is described as part-Hawaiian, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-063827 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Jonah Kanoa Mokuiki Drummondo-Rodrigues, of Kea‘au, who is wanted for questioning in a sex assault investigation that occurred on Oahu. Drummondo-Rodrigues is described as 5 feet […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 960-5249Report No.: 22-093050 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the driver of the 2011 Mazda sedan involved in a fatal single-vehicle traffic collision in Pahoa on Wednesday evening, October 19, 2022, as 49-year-old April Buxton of Puna. The collision was reported at 10:13 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 960-5249Report No.: 22-095951 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving two motorcylces that was reported just after 6 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the intersection of Kilauea Avenue and East Palai Street in Hilo. One of the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release For his quick-thinking efforts that saved a woman’s life, Officer Dallas Arce was honored as Officer of the Month for July 2022 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i during a ceremony in Hilo on Thursday, October 27, 2022.  Assigned to the Puna District, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Mark KailiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-095557 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Kawika Hassard who was reported as a runaway. Hassard was last seen in the Mountain View area on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., wearing a blue Hilo Intermediate School […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-083432 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 23-year-old Kineo Kenty Engilo, of Hilo, who is wanted for two outstanding Hilo Circuit Court warrants. He is also wanted for questioning in connection with two separate felony […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-092442 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the victim found in the Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium swimming pool in Hilo, as 24-year-old Tyler Michael Thor Withers. Shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, South Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-095004 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect responsible for an armed robbery at a Kealakekua restaurant Tuesday evening, October 25, 2022. Responding to the 8:30 p.m. reported robbery at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-094451 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 34-year-old Tabree Pea, of Hilo, with several offenses following a domestic-type incident that led to a male victim being stabbed in their home on Monday morning, October 24, 2022. The charges […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Patrol Officer Christian MaderaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-093723 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Jaysy Salvador, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his dedicated efforts in tracking down a wanted federal fugitive, Kona Patrol Officer Elijah Won was recognized by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the Month for October 2022, during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-094926 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation after a 66-year old Mountain View woman passed away at a convenience store in Glenwood on Tuesday afternoon, October 25, 2022. The woman experienced a medical emergency while sitting in the passenger seat of […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of October 17, 2022, through October 23, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 14 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 DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-093538 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that 17-year-old Kaiea Fleming-White, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Puna on Monday, October 24, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Patrol Officer Christian MaderaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-093723 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Jaysy Salvador of Kea‘au who was reported as a runaway. Salvador was last seen Friday evening, October 21, 2022, in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area wearing a black shirt, black […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department is offering Halloween safety tips to ensure and fun time for children and adults alike. Being safe is no trick; using a few common-sense tips can help make Halloween enjoyable for everyone. The Hawaiʻi Police Department asks people to follow […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer III/K-9 Handler Officer Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-093618 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 13-year-old Sofefina Paulino-Ngata, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Sunday, October 23, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Lam DoanPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 22-091302 and 22-093678 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was previously reported as a runaway (#22-091302), was located in Hilo on Thursday, October 20, 2022, in good health. However, she subsequently ran away again (#22-093678) and the police are asking […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Edward PetriePhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-093618 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Sofefina Paulino-Ngata who was reported as a runaway. Paulino-Ngata was last seen on the 100 block of Kapiolani Street in Hilo on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 7:00 a.m. She […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 277Report No.: 22-091916 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged a man and woman with multiple theft and identity theft charges stemming from a burglary that occurred on Sunday morning, October 16, 2022, at a residence on the 73-1000 block […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHāmākua DistrictLieutenant Roylen ValeraPhone:  (808) 775-7533Report No.:  22-092795 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating an ATV that was reported stolen in the Hāmākua district. Sometime between the evening hours of Tuesday, October 18, 2022, and the morning of Wednesday, October 19, 2022, a 2021 Polaris Sportsman […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Kyle MurrayPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-093538 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Kaiea Fleming-White who was reported as a runaway. He was last seen on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Hilo.    Fleming-White is described as having a tan complexion, 5 feet 8 inches […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentArea II Criminal Investigation SectionDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 960-3118Report No.: 22-093390  Media Release Hawai’i Island police are investigating a robbery that occurred at Hale Halawai Park in Kailua-Kona on Thursday evening, October 20, 2022. Responding to an assault reported at 8:30 p.m., police determined that a 38-year-old Kailua-Kona man was near the beach […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 960-5249Report No.: 22-091938 Media Release The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has identified the operator of the 2019 Honda motorcycle involved in the fatal two-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo on Sunday, October 16, 2022, as 45-year-old Ryan Miras of Hilo. Responding to the collision, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 21-041519 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 70-year-old Charles Bruce Graves, of Hilo. His family have not seen or heard from him since May 17, 2021, and are concerned for his welfare. Graves […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 960-5249 Report No.: 22-093050 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are reporting that a 49-year-old woman was killed in a single-vehicle traffic collision Wednesday evening, October 19, 2022, in the area of Kahakai Boulevard and Welea Street, in Pāhoa. Responding to the collision, which was […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release As the Halloween weekend approaches, the Hawai‘i Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up to remind drivers about the deadly consequences of drug-impaired driving. If you are under the influence of any drug, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Thomas ShopayPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 263 Media Release With Halloween approaching, Hawaiʻi Police Department is reminding the public to be aware of the dangers of fentanyl, which has been recovered by police during drug arrests across the island.   Last month, Area I (east Hawaiʻi) Vice officers […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of October 10, 2022, through October 16, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested 24 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 […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-092442 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are investigating the discovery of a body found in the Sparky Kawamoto Swim Stadium swimming pool in Hilo. On Tuesday morning, October 18, 2022, shortly after 8:30 a.m., South Hilo Patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Christopher JelsmaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-092097 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 36-year-old Manaolanalani L. Benford of Mountain View, who was reported missing. She was last seen two weeks ago in the Mt. View area. Benford is described as Polynesian with a dark complexion, 5 feet 5 inches, 145 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Chester FrancoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-091302 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado of Hilo, who was reported as a runaway. Garmon-Mercado was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo, on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 4:25 […]

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

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 22-091332 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 45-year-old Jarret Kaimoku Kaneshiro, of Puna, with attempted murder, criminal trespass, and numerous firearm-related offenses, following a domestic-type incident that led to a firearm being discharged on Highway 11 near the […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release To help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse, the Hawaiʻi Police Department is encouraging the public to participate in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the 29th, members […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Derek Kenison, Jr.Phone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 22-056465 and 22-091384 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Uilani Ahuna, who was previously reported as a runaway, (#22-056465), was located in Hilo on Friday, October 14, 2022, in good health. However, later that evening she reportedly ran away again (#22-091384). Ahuna […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 960-5249Report No.: 22-091938 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision in Hilo that occurred on Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2022, in the area of Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kawili Street. Responding to the collision, which was reported at 4:33 p.m., […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-091824 Media Release An 18-year-old male died following a single-vehicle collision on Sunday, October 16, 2022, 1.7 miles west, makai, on Nāpo‘opo‘o Road in Captain Cook. The teen has been positively identified as Maui Kamokukaulanaina Easton Marley Ellis-Noa. Responding to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area I  Police Officer III/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-083847 Media Release Hawai‘i island police report that 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Thursday, October 13, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-090239 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the badly decomposed body discovered on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, 2022 at a residence in Mountain View. The victim has been identified as 47-year-old James Paul Phelps, of a Lehua Street address, in Mountain […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOfficer Duane RapozaSouth Hilo Community PolicingPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release With the holidays approaching, the Hawai‘i Police Department is offering home burglary prevention tips and encourages the public to report suspicious activities occurring in your neighborhood. The following tips can help reduce the chances of burglary in your community: Outside the home: Don’t […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his diligent efforts earlier this year solving two thefts perpetrated by the same individuals, the Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Conrad Iranon as Officer of the Month for September 2022, during an awards ceremony […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Benhielden Del ToroPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-083847 Media Release Hawai‘i island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was reported as a runaway. She was last seen in the lower Puna area on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 1:15 a.m., wearing a white top, blue […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-090239 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the discovery of a badly decomposed body at a residence in Mountain View. Shortly after 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Puna patrol officers responded to a residence on Lehua Street after a […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of October 3, 2022, through October 9, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested 18 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Twelve of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One of the drivers was under the […]

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 two 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 DepartmentOffice of the Police Chief                 Acting Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244Report No.: 22-087969  Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives have charged a 28-year-old North Kohala patrol officer with abuse following a domestic dispute at a residence in Ainaloa, on Saturday, October 1, 2022. The officer is identified as John Chiquita IV. He has […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of September 26, 2022, through October 2, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested nine 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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 226Report No.: 22-085950 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 41-year-old Matthew B. Cummings of Captain Cook with two counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree, and one count each of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-058803 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the body discovered buried in the Ka‘ū District in late July 2022. The victim has been identified as 36-year-old George Edward Dodge, of Mountain View. Dodge was reported missing on July 7, 2022, after […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Colin RobertsPhone: (808) 961-2233Report No.: 22-086279 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 29-year-old Tomas Traverso of Hilo as a result of an agricultural theft investigation in Hilo. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Thursday September 29, 2022, on a farm in the Wainaku area. The suspect […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release  As part of the seventh annual National Coffee With a Cop Day, Hawai‘i Police Department invites the public to participate in two Coffee With a Cop events, one in Honoka‘a and the other in Kona, on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. These […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are offering tips to help island residents keep their financial and digital information safe after receiving reports about different types of telephone and online scams affecting citizens in our community. One of the scams includes criminals posing as police officers demanding […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-086076 Media Release A 21-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, near the intersection of Kealakaa Street and Kealakehe Street in North Kona. The man has been positively identified as Kalai Alohanamakana Lincoln. Responding […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-085431 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 40-year-old Shane Fann of Mountain View, with attempted murder and numerous firearm-related offenses following a violent altercation in Eden Roc on Monday night, September 26, 2022. At 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2022, after […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the Police ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado Jr.Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are again warning the public about the dangers of fentanyl after ongoing investigations have led to the recovery of fentanyl in various forms. Since issuing a warning about fentanyl in June, Hawai‘i Police Department has seen the […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of September 19, 2022, through September 25, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested 18 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers were under the […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the Police ChiefActing Chief Kenneth BugadoPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Just three months after graduating to solo assignment in the Ka‘ū district, Officer Xylon Takata saved the life of an Ocean View woman. For his quick actions, Officer Takata was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-085431 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have initiated an attempted murder investigation following a shooting incident in Puna on Monday night, September 26, 2022. Shortly after 9:15 p.m. Monday, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a man who had been […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 20-062436 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have located 47-year-old Derek Lee Kalani Aiona, who was reported missing in August 2020. Aiona was located located in good health at a residence in Kea‘au on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Upon being located, Aiona was […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-085283 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible missing diver last seen in waters near the cliffs at the end of Beach Road in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Kea‘au. On Monday afternoon, September 26, 2022, police and Hawai‘i Fire Department […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-076925 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Zaydie Rain Andrade-Takahashi, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Pahoa on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo DistrictCommunity Policing Officer Aaron AbalosPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release An interagency warrant sweep conducted in the Hilo area on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, resulted in the arrest of 13 wanted individuals for a total of 18 outstanding warrants. Conducted by officers from the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Community Policing Section and Special […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentAdministration Services SectionSergeant Jason GrounsPhone: (808) 961-2269 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department would like thank our Big Island communities for helping to make the recent Cop on Top fundraiser a huge success. Our Special Olympics delegations are extremely grateful for such a tremendous show of support in the 19th year the event […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 ext. 277Report No.: 22-077054 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a California visitor, 65-year-old Richard Lopez of San Pedro, with attempted murder and other offenses stemming from a domestic-related incident at a lodging establishment in the 69-200 block of Waikoloa […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-077578 Media Release A 66-year-old Captain Cook man died following a three-vehicle collision on Saturday, September 3, 2022, near the intersection of Kaohe Road and Ili Ili Road in South Kona. The 66 year-old male has been positively identified as William Jennings Dixon. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release With Labor Day approaching, the Hawai‘i Police Department reminds citizens to safely celebrate the achievements of all workers in Hawai‘i County. There is absolutely no excuse when it comes to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Every year, far too […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth BugadoPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Acting Police Chief Kenneth Bugado announces that eight officers have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and Detective effective September 1, 2022. Two officers have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and both are assigned to the Puna District. Sergeant […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-076717 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged a 17-year-old male for terroristic threatening after investigating a threat made by the teen. On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, around 6:15 p.m., police received information from a County bus driver concerning a juvenile male who was removed […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefActing Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr. Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that effective August 31, 2022, at 4:30 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado began serving as Acting Police Chief until a new police chief is selected by the Police Commission. Acting Chief Bugado has served as […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefPolice Chief Paul K. FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the Big Island community for their tremendous contributions to the recent backpack drive. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Hawai‘i Island police, in conjunction with Hope Services Hawaiʻi, held a backpack drive […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of August 22, 2022, through August 28, 2022, Hawai’i Island police arrested eight 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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-075568 Media Release (Update #2) Hawai‘i Island police have identified the child killed in the shooting incident that occurred at the Camp Honokaia Boy Scout Camp, near Honoka‘a, on Sunday afternoon, August 28, 2022, as 12-year-old Manuel “Manny” Carvalho.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-074105 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have identified the victim in the traffic-related incident that occurred last week on Puainako Street in Hilo as 62-year-old Allen Y.L. Kealoha, of Pahoa.  On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 6:20 a.m., South Hilo patrol […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Todd PatarayPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 22-076216 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 41-year-old Anelise Kerr who is reported missing. Kerr is a visitor from Florida and is believed to be staying in Hilo. She last contacted her family on Monday, August 29, 2022. Kerr is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ICaptain Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2251Report No.: 22-075568 Media Release The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing the investigation of the shooting incident that occurred at the Camp Honokaia Boy Scout Camp, near Honoka‘a, on Sunday afternoon, August 28, 2022. Interviews with children and adults that were […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHāmākua PatrolOfficer Paul IsotaniPhone: (808) 775-7533Report No.: 22-075775 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a red Fecon brand mulcher attachment that was stolen from an excavator owned by the State Department of Transportation Highways Division in Hāmākua. The theft occurred on the shoulder of Highway 19 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant K. KeliipaakauaPhone: (808) 326-4646Report No.: 22-069873 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Mary K. Costner of Kailua-Kona who is reported as a runaway. She was last seen in the area of Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona, on Sunday, August 10, 2022, between 1:15 p.m. and […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Carrie AkinaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 277Report No.: 22-036583 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 38-year-old Mitchell Sisson, who was previously reported as missing, was located in Kealakekua on Friday, June 3, 2022, in fair health.