Media Release

Big Island police are warning the public about a scam that preys on construction workers who need employment.

Police know of three victims on the Big Island. In those cases, the suspect put out the word that he had jobs for persons willing to travel to the mainland. He asked for advance payment for union dues and air transportation, promising the victims that they would receive a cash advance and start working as soon as they arrived. The job offers and airline reservations turn out to be bogus.

Police want to question 44-year-old Orlando J. Paez, also known as Kimo Manu. He is described as 5-foot-9, 260 pounds with a tan complexion, dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. His last known addresses were in Honolulu and Oregon but he may be recruiting victims on other islands.

Police ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts or anyone who received a similar bogus job offer call Detective Jason Berryhill at 326-4646, extension 275, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.