Five Arrested in Ka’ū Cockfight

By Wendy Osher

Five men were arrested at a cockfight in Ka’ū on the Big Island over the weekend. Officers made the arrests while serving a search warrant Sunday afternoon at a macadamia nut orchard in Pāhala, where the cockfight was taking place.

Keldon Sakata, 31, of Pāhala with three counts of cruelty to animals

Patrick Takahashi, 31, of Waipahu with cruelty to animals, gambling and possessing gambling records

Responding officers observed 75 vehicles and about 150 people at the site. Authorities also located 20 dead roosters, cockfighting and gambling paraphernalia and records, along with $7,737 in cash. The men arrested include:

• Patrick Takahashi, 31, of Waipahu: charged with cruelty to animals, gambling and possessing gambling records.

• Keldon Sakata, 31, of Pāhala: charged with three counts of cruelty to animals.
• Donovan Mattos, 37, of Nā’ālehu: charged with two counts of cruelty to animals.
• Modesto Gonzales, 69, of Ocean View: charged with two counts of cruelty to animals.
• Edward Polido, 51, of Pāhala: charged with gambling and possessing gambling records.

Edward Polido, 51, of Pāhala with gambling and possessing gambling records

Modesto Gonzales, 69, of Ocean View with two counts of cruelty to animals

Donovan Mattos, 37, of Nā'ālehu with two counts of cruelty to animals

Lieutenant Sherry Bird from the Area II Vice Section said this time of year is considered cockfighting season.  She reminded the public that cockfighting is illegal and urged the public to prevent animal cruelty by reporting information about cockfighting incidents to police.

Persons with information about illegal cockfighting can call the Big Island Police at 935-3311 or the Vice hotlines at 329-0423 in Kona or 934-8423 in Hilo. 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.

*** Supporting information courtesy Big Island Police.