Public Help Sought in Kona Robbery

By Wendy Osher

Police are seeking witnesses to a robbery reported Tuesday night, September 18, in West Hawaiʻi.

Kona patrol officers responded to the incident at 7:45 p.m. of a robbery in a parking lot below the Kona Community Hospital.

Upon investigation, police learned that a 22-year-old Captain Cook woman had been sitting in a parked Gold Mazda sedan when a male suspect reportedly approached her.

According to police reports, the suspect reportedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the woman and demanded valuables.

Police say the suspect fled toward Haukapila Road in the makai direction with the woman’s purse and its contents valued at $150.

The suspect was described as 5-foot-8-inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with a thin build.  He was wearing dark long pants, a dark hooded sweatshirt and a red bandanna, which covered the lower portion of his face.

Police say a red SUV was seen traveling in the makai direction on Haukapila Road at the time the suspect fled.  Police would like to speak to the driver or any other potential witnesses who may have been in the vicinity during the robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tyson Matsumura at 326-4646, ext. 277, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may also 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.