Author Archives: Denise Laitinen

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Donovan Kohara      Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 238Report No.: 21-056886 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying persons involved in a break-in that occurred at the Hōlualoa Post Office sometime between Saturday July 10, 2021, and Monday July 12, 2021.  At 7:05 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictCaptain Jeremie EvangelistaPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release For his outstanding investigative skills, exceptional information sharing, and commitment to providing the highest quality of police service, Officer Robert Sakata was recognized by the Hawai‘i Island Security and Safety Professionals Association (HISSPA) as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q2 2021 during a […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCommunity Policing – Area IISergeant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Continuing their efforts to stay connected to the community, Hawai‘i Police Department invites area residents to attend two “Coffee with a Cop” talk story sessions this month in Kona. The events will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Nelson Cacho Sr.Phone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 21-056031 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 44-year-old Nicholas Taylor of Puna, who was previously reported as missing, was located Friday afternoon in Hilo.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Division – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-055879 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 39-year-old Frank William Funes with the attempted murder of his former long-term girlfriend. The incident occurred in Pahoa on Thursday night, July 8, 2021. At 1:50 p.m. Saturday, July 10, after conferring with […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-054487 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 40-year-old Nathan Kalani Niihau with an array of offenses following a month-long crime spree. On the afternoon of Thursday, July 8, 2021, after conferring with county prosecutors, police charged Niihau with […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Donovan Kohara Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 238Report No.: 21-055765  Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police report that 40-year-old Travis “Pono” Aukai, of Ka‘u, who had been previously reported as missing, was located in Ka‘u in good health on Friday, July 9, 2021.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Nelson Cacho Sr.Phone: (808) 961-2213Report No.: 21-056031 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 44-year-old Nicholas Taylor of Puna. He was reportedly last seen in Hilo on June 27, 2021, around 6:00 p.m. Taylor is described as Caucasian, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, 125 pounds, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain Scott AmaralPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No. 21-055955 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have initiated a first-degree terroristic threatening case in connection with a threat that lead to Kea‘au Middle School being locked down the morning of Friday, July 9, 2021. In response to a 8:27 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers learned that […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 302 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request in asking for the public’s assistance in locating three west Hawaii runaways. Each runaway has previously been featured in separate releases. Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of any of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release A new member of the Hawai‘i Police Department was recently honored by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee (KCPC) for his proactive policing that resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of narcotics. Police Officer (Recruit) Michael Gusman was named […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Donovan Kohara      Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 238Report No.: 21-055765 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are searching for 40-year-old Travis “Pono” Aukai, of Ka‘u who was last seen leaving his residence in the Hawaii Ocean View Estates subdivision during the morning hours of Thursday, July 8, 2021 and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IIOfficer Jeremiah HullPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 21-036045 Media Release Hawai‘i Island Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Gloria Hanato who was reported as a runaway. Hanato was last seen in Kealakekua on May 5, 2021. She is described as being 5 feet 4 inches […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement UnitSergeant Jeremy RiddlePhone: (808) 961-2391Report No.: 21-055552 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving two family members from Hilo that occurred on Wednesday evening July 7, 2021, in the area of Kalanianaole Avenue and Kolea Street in Hilo. When police responded to the 11:51 p.m. traffic […]

Hawai’i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section, Area IOfficer Corey KanekoPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 21-050651 Media Release Hawai’i Island Police report that 14-year-old Lokelani Troche-Nobriga was located in good health in Kona on July 6, 2021. She had previously been reported as a runaway.

Hawai`i Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of June 28, 2021, through July 4, 2021, Hawai`i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IIActing Lieutenant Donovan Kohara Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 238Report No.: 21-054315 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Kelvin Malakaua, of Kailua-Kona, with robbery and assault after an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Shortly after 6:00 p.m. […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSgt. Brian SoukiPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 21-052599 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 36-year-old Donna Rasay of Pahoa, who had been previously been reported as missing, was located on July 5, 2021, in good health.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Aaron KaeoPhone: (808) 935-3311 or (808) 965-2716Report No. 21-053837 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 46-year-old Brian Maccaferri of Kea‘au, who family members say they have not heard from since late May 2021. Maccaferri is known to frequent the Kea‘au and Pahoa areas. He is described as Caucasian with […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo Patrol DivisionPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 21-050849 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Bradon Ahia who was reported as a runaway. Ahia was last seen in Hilo on Saturday, June 24, 2021, around 5:17 a.m. wearing a tan shirt and red shorts. He is described […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentVice Section, Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 ext. 226Report No. 21-053041/KN Media Release The Hawai’i Police Department is investigating a report of unknown chemical materials at a condominium complex located on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona. On June 30, 2021, at 4:30 p.m., Kona Patrol officers were dispatched to the condominium complex […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHilo PatrolSergeant Nelson Cacho Sr.Phone: (808) 935-3311Report Number: 21-053568/HL Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of a two-person kayak found adrift in Hilo Bay this morning. The yellow Malibu Series Ocean kayak was found by another kayaker at 8:57 a.m. and reported to the Hawai‘i Fire […]

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 Services SectionTorey Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: 961-2305 Media Release On Hawai’i Island we love to celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, food, and fireworks. Yet all too often the festivities turn tragic on the nation’s roads. This American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentAdministrative Services Communications SectionLieutenant Robert Fujitake Jr.Phone: (808) 961-8808 Media Release  Hawai‘i Island police report that their communications and 9-1-1 call center is now operational to receive calls from landlines and cellular phones with the exception of those who use Verizon as a service provider. People who have Verizon as a service carrier should […]

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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For his leadership both as a field training officer and senior patrol officer on-duty during a rapidly evolving situation, the Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Conrad Iranon last month as Officer of Month Award for April […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictActing Captain Robert PauolePhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release For his stellar investigation skills and attention to detail working crime scenes, Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Edward Lewis was recognized by the Hawai‘i Island Security and Safety Professionals Association (HISSPA) as HISSPA Officer of the Quarter for Q1 2021 on Friday, May 14 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona Community Policing SectionSergeant Michael D. HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 259 Media Release For their consistent proactive efforts to keep our island community safe, three Hawai‘i Police Department officers were honored as Officers of the Month by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee during the first quarter of the year. Officer Elijah Won was […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release Leaving keiki alone in a vehicle can lead to a terrible tragedy. Recognizing that while these deaths, while accidental, are always preventable, Hawai‘i Police Department is sharing helpful tips to make sure it doesn’t happen to your family. Remember: Never leave a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 20-014412 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in providing information on the murder of Smriti Saxena, whose body was found on the southern shoreline of ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. An […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 21-034326 Media Release After notification of next of kin, the man that was found in need of medical attention at the Kailua Pier on Friday, April 30, 2021, has been positively identified as 73-year-old Stephen Lacey of Kailua-Kona. The investigation […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 21-037502 Media Release A 37-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a three vehicle collision that occurred on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, .3 miles south of the 86 mile marker. The woman has been positively identified as Megan […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Aron TomotaPhone: (808) 935-3311 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces that Officer Travis Wong was recognized as the department’s first recipient of the Haweo Award, which he received during a ceremony held at Hawai‘i County Council chambers in Kona on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The award was presented by the Council’s […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IOfficer Corey M. Kaneko, K-9 HandlerPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 21-002587 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police announce that 13-year-old Scott Kapeli-Spencer of Hilo, who was previously reported as a runaway, was located in good health in Puna on May 11, 2021.

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCommunity Policing – Area IISergeant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department announces a change in one of the upcoming Kona Coffee with a Cop sessions taking place this month. The “Coffee with a Cop” event slated for Friday, May 21, at Kona Coffee and Tea, in the Kona […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergeant Marco K. SegobiaPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 245Report No.: 21-037502 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision that occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021, on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 86 mile marker in Kona. When Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-036860 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police detectives arrested a Hilo man in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred in Hilo on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Shortly after 10:45 p.m. South Hilo patrol officers responded to the old Pu‘ueo Poi Factory on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2254Report Numbers: 21-036237, 21-036249, 21-036489, 21-036555, 21-036732 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged five men for child sex solicitation as part of a multi-agency undercover investigation to catch online child predators. Between Thursday, May 6 and Saturday, May 8, Operation Keiki Shield East […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of May 3, 2021, through May 9, 2021, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 32 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three of the drivers were under the […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentKa‘ū Patrol DivisionSergeant Eric OntiverosPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 21-036119 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 50-year-old Bryan Wyler, who was previously reported as missing, has been located in Ocean View in good health.

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul K. FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Steadfast in its pursuit of identifying those who take the life of another, Hawai‘i Police Department announces the launch of an Unsolved Homicides site within its website: https://www.hawaiipolice.com/unsolved-homicides. The department believes every victim deserves justice, and that the deceased victim’s family, friends, and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentKa‘ū Patrol DivisionSergeant Eric OntiverosPhone: (808) 939-2520Report No.: 21-036119 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance locating 50-year-old Bryan Wyler of Ocean View, who was reported missing. Wyler is described as Caucasian with a medium build, 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with brown buzzed-cut hair and blue eyes. He […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. Buyten                Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext 266Report No.: 21-034772 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have charged 28-year-old Brenda Lee Jose, of Kailua-Kona, in connection with two auto thefts. On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., Kona patrol officers, along with officers of the Area II Special […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCommunity Policing – Area IISergeant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department invites area residents to attend two “Coffee with a Cop” talk story sessions this month in Kona. The events will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the following dates: Friday, May 14, 2021, at […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 26, 2021, through May 2, 2021, Hawai`i Island police arrested 22 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three of the drivers were under the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 21-022130 (Update) Media Release Hawai‘i police announce a temporary road closure of Keala O Keawe Road (Highway 160) near the scenic point above Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park on Friday, May 7, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. […]

Hawai‘i Police Department                           Vice Section – Area 1Lieutenant Royce SerraoPhone: (808) 961-2253Report No.: 21-034116 Media Release Hawai‘i Police Department vice detectives charged a 58-year-old Hakalau man last week for several drug offenses stemming from a search warrant executed at a residence in Hakalau. Personnel from the Area I Vice Section executed a narcotics search warrant on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolCaptain John BriskiPhone: (808) 965-2716 Media Release Citing his ability to consistently de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and his professionalism, Officer Laurence Davis was recently honored by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month for March 2021. Relatively new to the department with just two years of service […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 21-034578 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports that 36-year-old Kyle Nesbit of Kailua-Kona, who had previously been reported as missing, has been located in good health. The police department would like to thank the public for their assistance.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentHāmākua PatrolCaptain Regino SaludaresPhone: (808) 775-7533 Media Release Exemplifying positive and “out of the box” thinking in his role as a School Resource Officer, Officer Blake Ragocos was recently honored by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month for February 2021. As the only School Resource Officer in […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 21-034326 Media Release At approximately 1:16 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021, Kona Patrol and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officers responded to a call at the Kailua Pier of a man in need of medical attention. Upon […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentKona PatrolSergant Marco K. SegobiaPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 21-034578 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Kyle Nesbett of Kailua-Kona, who has been reported missing by his family and co-workers.  Nesbet is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 260 pounds, with gray hair and […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 21-033710 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged a 47-year-old Pahoa man with felony abuse and firearm charges stemming from an incident in lower Puna earlier this week. At 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, Puna police made contact with a […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release As the weather in Hawai‘i heats up, the Hawai‘i Police Department wants everyone to be aware of how dangerous a hot car can be for a child. On an 80-degree day a vehicle can reach over 100 degrees in 15 minutes. That […]

Hawai’i Police Department Acting Captain Robert Pauole South Kohala Station ​​​​​​​Phone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release As of 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2021, Hawai’i Police Department reports that Kawaihae Road between the 63 and 64 mile marker is open in both directions. Hawaii Police Department thanks the public for their patience.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-033130 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 32-year-old Daris Paul Pacheco, of Volcano, with murder, terroristic threatening, burglary, and an array of drug and firearm-related offenses stemming from the shooting death of his neighbor in Aloha Estates on Monday afternoon, […]

Hawai’i Police Department Acting Captain Robert Pauole South Kohala Station ​​​​​​​Phone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release As of 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2021, Hawai’i Police Department reports that Kawaihae Road between the 63 and 64 mile marker will remain reduced to one lane of contra-flowed traffic for another few hours as crews continue to work on the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-033130 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have identified the man shot to death at his residence in the Aloha Estates subdivision of Puna on Monday, April 26, 2021, as 59-year-old Jay Allen Freeman of Volcano.   Shortly before 1:00 p.m. on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala DistrictSergeant Thomas Chun-MingPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release As part of a joint-agency operation, a team of officers from various units within Hawai’i Police Department and the United States Marshals Service conducted a warrant sweep in the South Kohala District on April 19, 2021, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals wanted […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IILieutenant Scott KurashigePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 230 Report No.: 21-032329 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 27-year-old Adam Kahekili Kepoo of Honoka‘a with an array of offenses stemming from a domestic incident that occurred in a vehicle in Kawaihae on Friday, April 23, 2021. While […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 19, 2021, through April 25, 2021, Hawai`i Island police arrested 21 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 the […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-033130 Media Release A 32-year-old Puna man was taken into custody without incident following a shooting that left a 59-year-old Volcano man dead. On Monday, April 26, 2021, at about 12:37 p.m., police responded to a residence on Nau Nani Road in […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCommunity Policing SectionLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release For his outstanding proactive approach to community policing and dedication to duty, Officer Matthew Lewis, a 13-year veteran of Hawai‘i Police Department, was recognized Tuesday, April 20, 2021, by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i as Officer of the Month for January 2021. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentNorth Kohala PatrolOfficer Emerson ParanadaPhone: (808) 889-6540Report No.: 21-031936 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 15-year-old Kaleo James Genda of Kamuela who was reported as a runaway by his family. Genda was last seen in the Kohala Ranch subdivision on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, around 6 p.m. leaving the area on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSergeant Frank MohicaSouth Hilo PatrolPhone: (808) 961-8112Report No.: 21-028582 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have charged 37-year-old Zachary Babosh of Volcano with assault in the first degree after an early morning assault on Saturday, April 10, 2021.  Police responded to Hilo Medical Center on the morning of April 10 for a report of […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 19-033139 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 32-year-old Tyler James Gorloff of Kailua-Kona, who was reported missing two years ago. He was last seen at MacKenzie State Recreation Area in lower Puna on […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area ILieutenant Rio S. Amon-WilkinsPhone: (808) 961-2252Report No.: 21-024872 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged a Hilo couple with the theft of an elderly woman’s vehicle. On Friday evening, April 16, 2021, South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a retail establishment on Maka‘ala Street in Hilo […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. Buyten                 Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 20-097171 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police have located 30-year-old Maria Girangaya of Ocean View who was wanted for several outstanding warrants, as well as questioning in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation. On Tuesday April 20, 2021, at 1:00 […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefPolice Chief Paul K. FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Hawaiʻi Police Department is encouraging members of the public to take part in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative taking place on Saturday April 24, 2021, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Unused, unneeded, or expired prescription medications can be […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Alipate MoleniPhone: (808) 965-2716 Report No.: 21-029703 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old John Histo III of Mountain View who was reported as a runaway. Histo was last seen on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 12:15 p.m., in the Mountain View area. He is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCommunity Policing SectionLieutenant William DerrPhone: (808) 961-2350 Media Release As part of Hawai‘i Police Department’s (HPD) ongoing outreach efforts during Distracted Driving Month, HPD and the County of Hawai‘i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney are teaming up to remind the public that April is also Alcohol Awareness Month. In conjunction with this national […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 12, 2021, through April 18, 2021, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 31 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 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IOfficer Corey M. Kaneko, K-9 HandlerPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 21-029339 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police report that 16-year-old Aidyn Cruse, who was reported as a runaway last week, was located in Hilo in good health on April 17, 2021.

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentPuna PatrolSergeant Charrise WakitaPhone: (808) 965-2716Report No.: 21-029760 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are searching for 17-year-old Eddy Rodrigues Jr. of Pāhoa, who was reported missing. Eddy Rodrigues Jr. was last seen in Pāhoa on Monday, April 5, 2021. He is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, 150 pounds, with light […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646  Ext. 266Report No.: 21-019574 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying four persons of interest for theft and related incidents that occurred at a hotel on Waikoloa Beach Drive in South Kohala. On Wednesday, March 10, […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo Community PolicingOfficer Tyler JelsmaPhone: (808) 961-8849Report No.: C15003381 and C15008676 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 31-year-old Bronson Isaac Kaleo Lee of Hilo, who has outstanding warrants for his arrest totaling $100,000. The warrants are for revocation of his release on bail.  Lee is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No. 21-022130 (Update) Media Release Hawai‘i police announce a temporary road closure of Keala O Keawe Road (Highway 160) near the scenic point above Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Motorists […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 21-027499 Media Release Hawai’i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating more than a dozen deep-cycle batteries with an estimated value of $3,900 that were removed from a radio tower in a remote area of Kaʻū during the […]

Hawaii Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IOfficer Corey M. Kaneko, K-9 HandlerPhone: (808) 961-8843Report No.: 21-024833 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Maycee Ahsui-Mendoza of Pahoa who was reported as a runaway. Ahsui-Mendoza was last seen in the Kea‘au area on Sunday, March 28, […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release During the week of April 5, 2021, through April 11, 2021, Hawai‘i Island police arrested 22 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 DepartmentPuna PatrolOfficer Terence ScanlanPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 21-029339 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Aidyn Grace Cruse, from Pāhoa, who was reported a runaway. Cruse was last seen on April 12, 2021, at 9:00 p.m., in the area of Ainaloa subdivision. She is described as […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area ILieutenant Sandor FinkeyPhone: (808) 961-2254Report No.: 21-028775 Media Release The Hawai‘i Police Department has charged 46-year-old James Michael Taylor of Volcano with sexual assault.  Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2021, Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a sexual assault in the Volcano area. […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Hilo Patrol DivisionLieutenant Tuck Loy D. AurelloPhone: (808) 935-3311Report No.: 21-028810 Media Release Hawai’i Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old George A. Labrador of Hilo with burglary and theft offenses. At 9:22 a.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2021, Hilo patrol officers responded to a burglary of a business in the 200 […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentOffice of the ChiefChief Paul K. FerreiraPhone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release Hawai‘i County dispatchers were honored today in a ceremony at the Hawai‘i Police Department in Hilo as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, also known as “Dispatch Week”, which runs from April 11-17, 2021. Initially set up in 1981 by Patricia […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCriminal Investigations Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin A. BuytenPhone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 20-064241 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating a 38-year-old Kaʻū man who was reported missing more than a year ago. Christopher-Jay K. Baird was last seen in the Hawaiian Ocean […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentTraffic Enforcement Unit – Area IISergeant Thomas KoyanagiPhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229Report No.: 21-028633 Media Release A 60-year-old Kea‘au man died following a single-vehicle collision in Ka‘u on Saturday, April 10, 2021, .3 miles west (makai) of the 68.5 mile marker on Highway 11. The man has been positively identified as Ray Allen […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentCommunity Policing – Area IISergeant Michael HardiePhone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 259 Media Release Continuing their outreach with the west Hawai‘i community, Hawai‘i Police Department invites area residents to attend two “Coffee with a Cop” talk story sessions this month in Kona. The events will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on […]

Hawaiʻi Police DepartmentTraffic Services SectionTorey D. Keltner, Program ManagerPhone: (808) 961-2305 Media Release In response to national data that has shown a 10 percent increase in distracted driving since 2018, federal safety officials and Hawai‘i Police Department have launched a new driver safety campaign this month, intended to raise awareness about the risks associated with […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentCriminal Investigation Section – Area IILieutenant Edwin Buyten                      Phone: (808) 326-4646 Ext. 266Report No.: 20-097171 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old Maria Girangaya  of Ka‘ū who is wanted on several outstanding bench warrants, as well as for questioning in connection with other criminal investigations. Girangaya is […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala Police StationSergeant Erich JacksonPhone: (808) 887-3080Report No.: 21-027316 and 21-027384 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying four people involved in two separate thefts at stores in Waimea and Waikoloa. On Monday, April 5, 2021, four people entered a grocery store in Waikoloa between 6:25 […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentSouth Kohala Police StationSergeant Erich JacksonPhone: (808) 887-3080 Media Release Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Chace Kakela Gambill, of Waikoloa, who has an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The warrant is for resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle and driving without a valid driver’s […]

Hawai‘i Police DepartmentJuvenile Aid Section – Area IOfficer Corey M. Kaneko, K-9 HandlerPhone: (808) 961-8843 Media Release Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request in asking for the public’s assistance in locating six runaways. Each runaway has previously been featured in separate releases. Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of any of the […]

Hawaiʻi Police Department                                               Office of the ChiefChief Paul Ferreira                                                        Phone: (808) 961-2244 Media Release The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi recognized South Hilo Patrol Officer Joshua Willing as 2020 Officer of the Year and Hawai‘i Fire Department Battalion Chief Keoki Brown as Firefighter of the Year in recent ceremonies. Typically, the Club holds […]