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Wanted: Robert Tanoai 06-08-12

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigations Section, Area II
Lieutenant Gerald Wike
Phone: 326-4646, Ext. 266
Report No. C12003387

Media Release

Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 43-year-old Kailua-Kona man wanted for assault and other offenses.

Robert Kanuela Tanoai—also known as “Boomer”—is considered armed and dangerous. Police caution the public not to approach him but to call police immediately if they see him.

Tanoai has an outstanding arrest warrant for assault and other offenses stemming from an incident in February.

On February 4, Kona Patrol Officers responded to an 11:55 a.m. report of a possible domestic incident in the parking lot of Kealakekua Ranch Center in Captain Cook. While en route, officers received additional information that the man and woman had left the parking lot in a white sports-utility vehicle traveling north on Māmalahoa Highway.

While searching for the SUV, officers received information about a 911 call regarding a woman who was at a Post Office in Hōnaunau requesting police assistance. Officers contacted a 30-year Kapaʻau woman, who had reportedly been assaulted by an acquaintance. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where she was treated for injuries to her face and body and later released.

During the investigation, officers determined that the assault was connected to the original call reporting the possible domestic incident at Kealakekua Ranch Center and that the victim had been held against her will, threatened and assaulted.

Through police investigation, officers identified the suspect as Tanoai. He is described as Hawaiian, 6-feet tall, 255 pounds with a dark complexion, short black hair, brown eyes and a muscular build. He has several tattoos on his upper arms and chest and one with the name “TANOAI” on his back.

Tanoai is also wanted for questioning in connection with several unrelated incidents, including some in which he was reportedly seen in possession of firearms.

Police ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts call 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.