Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IActing Detective Corey KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-057603 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that 14-year-old Bella Gaseta, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Friday, July 22, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Calvin Delaries, Jr.Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 22-063496 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested a 32-year-old Kailua-Kona man in connection with a fire that burned 150 acres of vacant land on the southside of Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Route 200) near the 50 mile marker […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Todd PatarayPhone: (808) 961-2213 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are warning the public about a cryptocurrency scam that thieves are using to commit financial crimes. Police report that individuals have received text messages from persons claiming to be from their financial institution stating that their bank account has been compromised. The […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release In the span of five days during April 2022, a Puna patrol officer, on the force for just a year-and-a-half, played a significant role in the apprehension of three dangerous fugitives who were responsible for a plethora of dangerous crimes. For his exceptional police work, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant David ArakiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 253Report No.: 22-062206 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning of a Kona man that occurred near a county park along the 5700 block of Ali‘i Drive on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Just before 4:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-057337 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Bronson Histo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in good health on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IActing Detective Corey KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-057603 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Bella Gaseta, of Mountain View, who was reported as a runaway. Gaseta was last seen at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2022, wearing […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of July 11, 2022, through July 17, 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. Five of the drivers were under […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Oliver AgustinPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-062495 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Eleiana Saunoa, who was reported as a runaway. She was last seen in Pepe‘ekeō in the area of Kau Hale Olu Apartments on Monday, July 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., wearing […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-062665 Media Release A 26-year-old Kamuela man was severely injured following a single-vehicle collision on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, on Kawaihae Road, .2 mile west (makai) of the 66 mile marker in South Kohala. Responding to a 4:03 a.m. call, police […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Michael Santos       Phone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-060513 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Kira Kaeha who was reported as a runaway on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. She was last seen on Friday, June 17, 2022, in the 100 block of Hoku Street in Hilo. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentAdministrative Services Communications SectionLieutenant Robert Fujitake Jr.Phone: (808) 961-8808 Media Release  Hawai‘i Island police report that the technical issues affecting its communications center and 9-1-1 call system have been fully resolved. The department thanks the public for their patience while this problem was corrected.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-061320 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested the 19-year-old driver of a vehicle involved in a two-car collision that resulted in the death of 63-year-old Kailua-Kona woman on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in North Kona. Trevor K. Shoemaker-Hassey, of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentAdministrative Services Communications SectionLieutenant Robert Fujitake Jr.Phone: (808) 961-8808 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that technical issues are affecting the 9-1-1 call system. Police are asking that if you are experiencing an emergency to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. An update will be provided when the 9-1-1 system […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone:  (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-025822 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a Puna couple wanted for questioning in connection with an assault that occurred in Kea‘au, in March 2022.  Thirty-two-year-old Harley Jane Kanani Gonsalves, also known as Harley Parks, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-059857 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that Carole Noel, who had previously been reported missing, was located in Hilo on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in good health. 

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolSchool Resource Officer Edward Lewis Jr.Phone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-060520 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a male shoplifting suspect responsible for a theft at a South Kohala convenience store on Sunday, July 10, 2022. At 2:08 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, South Kohala patrol […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his work quickly solving a theft investigation, the Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Eli Cayetano as Officer of the Month for July 2022, during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-059880 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 27-year-old Chad Kalenakai Gahan Armitage Jr., with assault and robbery following the violent beating of an elderly man in downtown Hilo on Sunday afternoon, July 10, 2022. Shortly after 12:30 p.m. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-015016 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old Samuel Baker Sniffin Jr., of Puna. He is wanted for questioning relative to two separate criminal investigations that occurred earlier this year. Sniffin is 5 feet 10 inchs […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Michael SantosPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-058809 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two female runaways, 17-year-old Anuhea Pinheiro-Basques and 15-year-old Mary Costner. Both were last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 9:00 p.m. Pinherio-Basques […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Aron TomotaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 253Report No.: 22-060152 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are urging the public to take precautions when purchasing items from individuals they are not familiar with after a Big Island man was scammed in a jewelry purchase in Kona. The individual selling the fake jewelry was subsequently […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Michael SantosPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 22-059952 Media Release Hawai‘i Island Police arrested and charged a 53-year-old Hilo man for drug and theft offenses, including attempted methamphetamine distribution, as well as outstanding warrants. When police responded to a report of a theft in progress involving a female and male accomplice in the […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of July 27, 2022, through July 10, 2022, Hawai`i Island police arrested 16 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three of the drivers were under […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Michael SantosPhone: (808) 961-2213Report No. 22-056465 and 22-056852 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two female runaways, 15-year-old Uilani Ahuna (Report #22-056465) and 17-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado (Report #22-056852). Ahuna was last seen on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 4:10 p.m. in the 1100 block […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Tuck Aurello of the Records Division, graduated the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on June 9, 2022. Lt. Aurello is one of 254 law enforcement officers from 47 states, the District […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala PatrolLieutenant Bryan TinaPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No. 22-0059870 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning of an Oregon visitor that occurred near the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel at Kaunaoa Bay on Sunday morning, July 10, 2022. Shortly before 11 a.m. police responded to Kaunaoa Bay after an unresponsive man […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Nos.: 22-052918 and 22-058798 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two runaways in east Hawai‘i were located in separate incidents. Both were found in good health. Seventeen-year-old Ezra Kirkpatrick was located in Hilo on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Fifteen-year-old […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 22-059857 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 62-year-old Carol Noel, who was reported missing. Family members report that they have not heard from since Friday, July 8, 2022. Carol is known to frequent the Hilo and Mountain View areas, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan Kohara   Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 267Report No.: 22-058745 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged a juvenile male from Discovery Harbour in connection with a brush fire that burned approximately 10 acres in the Discovery Harbour subdivision in Ka‘ū. On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Patrol DivisionOfficer Joseph PicaduraPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-058798 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Dyson Michael Evans who was reported as a runaway. Evans was last seen at his grandfather’s residence in the Kalapana/Kaimu area on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. wearing […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Bryson MiyosePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-058894 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old George “Eddie” Dodge who was reported missing. He was last seen on the evening of Wednesday, June 22, 2022, in the Mountain View area and is known to frequent the Puna […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant K. KeliipaakauaPhone: (808) 326-4646Report No.: 22-057756 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Kamalii M.K. Lawelawe of Kailua-Kona, who was reported as a runaway. He was last seen at his residence on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at 10:30 p.m. wearing white shorts, white aloha print shirt, and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the Police ChiefChief Paul K. FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release For his invaluable leadership overseeing Hawai‘i Police Department’s East Hawai‘i Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), Detective Keith Simeona was honored with the Haweo Award during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Hilo on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. In addition […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-058621 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 41-year-old Jennifer Michelle Showen, of the Hawaiian Shores subdivision in Pahoa. She has not been seen or heard from by her family in several days and they are […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 27, 2022, through July 03, 2022, Hawai`i Island police arrested 17 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-042880 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 14-year-old Daniel Soares, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Friday, July 1, 2022, in good health.

Hawai’i Police Department Hilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-052918 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Ezra Lyn Kirkpatrick of Hilo, who is reported as a runaway. She was last seen at her residence on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 10:00 p.m. wearing jeans, a white top, and a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recently honored two Hawai‘i Police Department officers as Officer of the Month for May and June 2022, during an awards ceremony at Huggo’s on the Rocks in Kona on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Community Policing […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area ISergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2391Report No.: 22-058100 Media Release A 58-year-old Pepe‘ekeō man is dead after the motorcycle he was operating struck three vehicles on Highway 19 in Honomū on Monday, July 4, 2022. The man has been identified as Malvin Reyes. Police responding to the 8:50 p.m. […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Onan MasaokaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 22-057337 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year old Bronson Histo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located, and then ran away again. After being reported as a runaway last month (Report # 22-054462), Histo was located […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-057603 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Bella Gaseta, of Mountain View, who was reported as a runaway. Gaseta was last seen at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2022, wearing a pink sweatshirt, sweatpants, and shoe,s in the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release This Independence Day, Hawai‘i Police Department is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign. The primary goal of the law enforcement presence will be to prevent the tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday. According […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-056987 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the discovery of a body found Friday morning in Pahoa town. On Friday morning, July 1, 2022, shortly after 9:00 a.m., Puna Patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to the Hawai‘i […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252                                                                                      Report No.: 22-056345 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 33-year-old Cameron Stewart with murder following the discovery of a deceased elderly man in Puna on Wednesday morning, June 29, 2022. At 10:00 a.m. Friday morning, July 1, 2022, after conferral with the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-055849 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, June 30, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna DistrictOfficer Benjamin KoehlerPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No. 22-053763 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying a man involved in a motor vehicle theft that took place in Pahoa. On Tuesday, June 20, 2022, at 7:00 a.m., an unidentified male suspect was observed on video surveillance footage removing a […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 95th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo. This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the recruits. The public […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252                                                                                     Report No.: 22-056345 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in Puna. Shortly before 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Puna patrol officers responded to a residence on Kawakawa Street for a report of an […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Justin DodoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-055849 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. Garmon-Mercado was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 9:50 p.m. wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 22-0056010 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 39-year-old Jesus Sanchez, who was previously reported as missing, was located on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 in good health.

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police, concerned about illegal aerial fireworks, are reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe Fourth of July weekend. Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 22-056010 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 39-year-old Jesus Sanchez, who was reported missing by his family.    Sanchez was last seen in the area of the Ola‘a Forest Reserve hunter station near the Volcano transfer station on Monday, June […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Police Officer Christopher FukumotoPhone: (808) 961-8849Report No.: 22-055325 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged two Hilo men as a result of an agricultural theft investigation in Pāpa‘ikou.    The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday, June 26, 2022, on a farm in the Pāpa‘ikou […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report Nos.: 22-040894 and 22-050657 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two east Hawaii female runaways were recently found in Hilo in separate incidents. Both were found in good health. Seventeen-year-old Kira Kaeha, was located on Monday, June 27, 2022, […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 20, through June 26, 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. One of the drivers was under the […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Kayla Makino-KahuliReport No.: 22-055332 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 37-year-old Tessie Sadino, who was reported missing, was located on Monday, June 27, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 19-081445 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 38-year-old Kakalia-Mika’ele Goeas of Papaikou on the strength of a bench warrant after an indictment stemming from a 2019 sex assault investigation. Goeas turned himself in Monday morning, June 27, 2022, at […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 22-022704 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for an armed robbery at a Hilo pharmacy on the evening of March 14, 2022. At 9:45 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Patrol DivisionOfficer Derek ToloumuPhone: (808) 965-2716Report Nos. 22-048304 and 22-054462 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year old Bronson Histo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located, and then ran away again. After being reported as a runaway earlier this month, Histo was […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Daniel TamPhone: 965-2716Report Nos. 22-054358 and 22-054542 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that two east Hawai‘i runaways have been located in good health in separate incidents. Thirteen-year-old King Kehoe Kehoe (Report #22-054358) was located in Hilo on Thursday, 23, 2022. Thirteen-year-old Brooklyn Bradbury, (Report #22-054542) was located in Kea‘au on Saturday, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Paul RosePhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-054539 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man involved in a theft that took place in lower Puna on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 3:52 p.m., when the suspect was observed on video surveillance removing items from a residence in […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimReport No.: 22-055332 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 37-year-old Tessie Sadino, who was reported missing. Sadino was last seen near the 2200 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, wearing a black colored hoodie and faded blue jeans. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Robert P. PauolePhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 19-081445 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance with locating Kakalia-Mika‘ele Goeas of Pāpa‘ikou, who is wanted for a bench warrant after indictment stemming from a 2019 sex assault investigation. Goeas is 5 feet 9 inches tall, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCommunity Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release The second annual “Fill A Cruiser Food Drive” event will take place Friday, July 1, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Kona Costco parking lot. A collaborative effort between Hawai’i Police Department’s Kona Community Policing Section, Costco of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 19-025566 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Kerry-Ann Duarte, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Kona on Thursday, June 23, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community PolicingLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that there will be road closures in downtown Hilo on Saturday, June 25, 2022, during the annual LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. The roads used for the parade route will close just prior to the parade starting at 11:00 a.m. and remain […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area IICaptain Thomas A. Shopay IIIPhone: (808) 326-4646 ext.263 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl after seeing an increase in the amount of fentanyl being recovered in conjunction with recent drug investigations. Hawai‘i Police Department is a member of a newly […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Daniel TamPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-054542 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Brooklyn Bradbury, who was reported as a runaway. She was last seen in the Kea‘au area on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.   Bradbury is described as being light […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No. B-21448 Media Release On Wednesday afternoon, June 22, 2022, a Big Island grand jury indicted 72-year-old Steven Ray Simpson with second-degree murder. The indictment stems from an incident reported on April 23, 1978, where the body of 26-year-old Valerie Ann Warshay was […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionCommunity Police Officer Christopher FukumotoPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release As part of their ongoing efforts to promote positive police interactions and inspire Hawai‘i Island children for careers in law enforcement, personnel from several divisions of Hawaii Police Department (HPD) participated in the Keaukaha Summer of Fun event at the Kawananakoa Gym […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionOfficer Aaron YamanakaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 257 Media Release West Hawai‘i residents are invited to attend a Coffee With a Cop event in Kealakekua on Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Gypsea Gelato, 79-7491 Hawaii Belt Road. Coffee With a Cop is a national program […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolOfficer Lawrence KobayashiPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-054358 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old King Kehoe who was reported as a runaway. Kehoe was last seen in the 1700 block of Kinoole Street in Hilo on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 5:45 a.m. wearing a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentVice Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226 Media Release For his exceptional work taking down a major drug trafficking operation that was importing more than $1 million worth of narcotics to Hawai‘i Island, Officer Justin Gaspar was recently honored by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee as Officer of the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: 326-4646, Ext. 229Report Nos. 22-051906 and 22-051710 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police announce that there will be two road closures in the Kona district this week as traffic investigators conduct further investigations into recent traffic fatalities.  The first road closure will occur on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, between […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 22-035831 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 15-year-old Kelis Garmon-Mercado, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on Saturday, June 18, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna Community PolicingOfficer Chad SatoPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that while transporting cargo on any public roadway or highway, your load must be covered. Most of the litter on or near our roadways is not intentionally thrown.  Rather, it has more often than not, been […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 13, through June 19, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 14 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers was under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Charrise WakitaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-053292 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Shaelynn Gomes of Kea‘au who was reported as a runaway. She was last seen on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Kea‘au wearing a black shirt and white Champion slippers. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Police Chief Paul Ferreira formally announced to the Hawai‘i County Police Commission on Friday, June 17, 2022, that he will retire from the Hawai‘i Police Department.  “I informed the Hawaii Police Commission and Mayor Roth on Friday that I submitted my application to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolLieutenant Paul KimPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Nos.: 22-052990 and 22-052995 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying suspects of two robberies that occurred around the same time on Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2022, at two different retail clothing stores in the 100 block of Puainako Street in Hilo. It is unknown at this time […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentEast Hawaii Traffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2391Report No. 22-053010 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a two-vehicle traffic collision in Pepe‘ekeo that killed a 63-year-old Mountain View woman on Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2022. Responding to the 3:48 p.m. report of a traffic collision on Mamalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Community Policing SectionOfficer Christopher FukumotoPhone: (808) 961-8849 Media Release An inter-agency warrant sweep conducted in Hilo on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, by law enforcement personnel from the Hawai‘i Police Department, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, and the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolCaptain Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-052499 Media Release Hawaii Police Department are advising motorists in Hilo to avoid Kawili Street between Laukapu Street and Hinano Street due to a trash fire.  At 5:47 a.m. on Friday, June 17, 2022, the contents in the trash compartment of a commercial rubbish truck […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IPolice Officer/K-9 Handler Corey M. KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No: 22-050659 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that Cherish Ahulau-Kaleo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in Hilo on June 13, 2022, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Calvin Delaries                Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report Numbers: 21-057372 and 21-105244 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance with locating 44-year-old Janeal McCullough of South Kona, who is wanted for questioning in connection with several financial criminal investigations. McCullough is described as 5 feet […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229 Media Release In the span of three days this week there have been four major motorcycle collisions on Hawai‘i Island roads killing two motorcyclists and critically injuring two motorcycle operators. In addition, a female pedestrian was killed in Kona on Tuesday, […]

Hawai‘i Police Department                           Criminal Investigation Section – Area 1Acting Lieutenant Derek MorimotoPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-051486 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 22-year-old Tchok Atario of Hilo with attempted murder, assault, and terroristic threatening stemming from a stabbing incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 14, 2022.  At 12:46 a.m., […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-051906 Media Release A 19-year-old Kailua-Kona man operating a motorcycle died following a three-vehicle collision on Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022, in South Kona south of the intersection of Old Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 180) and Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11). This […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIDetective Donovan KoharaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 267Report Numbers: 22-049006, 22-049010, 22-049011, 22-049126, 22-050689, 22-051283 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged two individuals suspected of being responsible for several property crimes recently reported in the Ocean View area. During the early morning hours of Monday, June […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release For her outstanding efforts during an unlawful imprisonment/sex assault investigation, South Kohala Officer Kayli Carr was recognized by the Hawai‘i Island Security and Safety Professionals Association (HISSPA) as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q1 2022 during a ceremony on Friday, June 10, 2022 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 22-051710 Media Release A 62-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a single-vehicle collision on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway, 150 yards north of the Palani Road intersection in North Kona. The woman has been positively identified as Gloria […]

Hawai‘i Police Department                           Acting Lieutenant Derek MorimotoCriminal Investigation Division – Area 1Phone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 22-051089 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 36-year-old Curtiss Akoni Nihipali, of no permanent address, on an array of offenses, including kidnapping, assault, terroristic threatening, firearms, and drug charges. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday, […]

Hawai’i Police Department Traffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 6, 2022, through June 12, 2022, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 18 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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna DistrictLieutenant Allan WatanabePhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release A warrant sweep by officers of the Hawai‘i Police Department was conducted in Puna on Thursday, June 9, 2022, resulting in the arrest of seven wanted individuals (including one juvenile male) for a total of 10 outstanding warrants and drug offenses. The warrants were for […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictOfficer Ronald ParoPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 22-041783 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance with identifying two individuals involved in a theft last month at a Waikoloa store located in the 69-0000 block of Waikoloa Beach Drive.  The two males were observed working together to remove an electronic […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo PatrolOfficer Dustin ChavesPhone: (808) 935-3311Report Numbers: 22-050657 and 22-050659 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating two female runaways, Uilani Ahuna (Report #22-050657) and Cherish Ahulau-Kaleo (Report #22-050659). Both teens are 15 years old. Ahuna, had previously been reported as a runaway (Report #22-043114) in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitActing Sergeant Jared CabatuPhone: (808) 961-2391Report Numbers 22-051216, 22-051220, and 22-051272 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating three motorcycle collisions that occurred around the island this morning within a three-hour time span. One motorcyclist was killed and the two other motorcyclists were seriously injured as a result of the collisions. […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 22-050458 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Ricky Ramirez who was reported as a runaway. Ramirez was last seen in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area on Thursday, June 9, 2022 wearing a black and white shirt, black pants, […]