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Manhunt Underway in Hamakua after Police Involved Shooting in Kona

Hawaii Island police detectives are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Friday morning, March 10, 2023, in Kona. The incident involved plainclothes Area II Vice detectives who were attempting to contact the occupants of a stolen vehicle, a silver Chevy Malibu, at the intersection of Kamakaeha Avenue and Palani Road. Two detectives discharged their weapons after the driver of the Malibu ignored their commands and began reaching for an object, fearing for their safety. The driver then drove the vehicle across all lanes of Palani Road and down an embankment before coming to a stop, where he was later pronounced dead.

The identity of the driver is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. One passenger, 26-year-old Jacqueline Keanaaina of Kailua-Kona, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was treated at the scene before being arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Police believe the driver, who was in the company of several individuals, including 44-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, of Ocean View, was wanted for attempted murder in connection with a domestic dispute incident that occurred on Tuesday, March 7, in the 92-2000 block of Outrigger Drive in Ocean View. Detectives had received information that Kahihikolo was in the Kona area and was driving a white Dodge sedan, also believed to be stolen.

Police pursued Kahihikolo through the Waimea area, but he was last seen on foot near a gulch in a secluded area near the 40-mile marker in lower Kalopa in Hāmākua. Kahihikolo is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 215 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and has a distinctive tattoo on his right cheek near his eye that reads “greed”. He is considered armed and dangerous, and police are asking the public to report any suspicious activity in the area and avoid the area while they search for him.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. The Office of Professional Standards has initiated an internal administrative investigation, and the involved detectives have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review of the incident. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the police department’s non-emergency number or Area II Criminal Investigation Section Detective Jason Foxworthy. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number 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 and keeps all information confidential.

Kamehameha Schools - Kapālama Song Contest

Last night, Kamehameha - Kapālama School held its 103rd Annual Song Contest to pay tribute to the legendary paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) of Hawaii. The event was filled with beautiful mele (songs) that honored the paniolo of Hawai'i, with many Big Island mele (song), Hu'ehu'e, Cupa Landing, Waimea Cowboy, and many more.

The juniors made a strong presence in the contest, showcasing their talents in various categories. The audience was mesmerized by the powerful performances of the students as they sang with passion and grace.

The winners of the contest were announced, and it was a tie for the Louise Aoe McGregor Award for Freshman Co-ed Director Brennan Agcaoili and Junior Co-ed Director Taitea Sunaoka. They both received the award for their exceptional directing skills.

The Richard Lyman, Jr. Olelo Makuahine Award was given to the Senior Co-ed for their song Kaula ‘ili, which was beautifully sung with heart and soul. The George Alanson Andrus Cup was awarded to the seniors for their song Hu‘ehu‘e, which was a fitting tribute to the area North of Kona.

The New England Mothers’ Cup was given to the juniors for their song Honesakala (honeysuckle), which left the audience in awe of their talent. Finally, the Helen Desha Beamer Award was given to the Junior Co-ed for their rendition of Waimea Cowboy (Kilakila Nā Roughrider), which was a moving tribute to the great paniolo.

The Charles E. King Cup was awarded to the juniors, who impressed the judges with their amazing vocals and outstanding performances. The audience was on their feet, applauding the talented students for their hard work and dedication.

Overall, the 103rd Annual Kamehameha School Song Contest was a special night that paid homage to the great paniolo of Hawaii.

Link to rewatch.

HPD Requests Public Assistance Looking for Runaway

The Hawaii Police Department is asking for public assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, Arieana Balbin. She was last seen on March 10 at 9:00 P.M. on Kinoole St. in Hilo, wearing gray sweatpants and a green hoodie. Although initially reported as a runaway, Balbin's age now categorizes her as endangered. Anyone with information should contact police dispatch at 808-935-3311 or call 911.

Student Resource Officer Program Adds Officer to Hilo Intermediate

To address reports of increased violence in schools, the Hawai'i Police Department (HPD) has intensified its Student Resource Officer (SRO) program, adding an officer at Hilo Intermediate School and increasing student outreach. The program, which includes 39 officers islandwide, eight of which are School Resource Officers, is part of the Department's Community Policing program. HPD has sent an officer to work at Hilo Intermediate School full-time for the remainder of the school year and is working to ensure a dedicated SRO will be assigned to the school starting in the fall. Additionally, Community Policing Officers were sent to campus this week to talk to students and share a "Choose Aloha" presentation.

Senator Brian Schatz Reintroduce Bill to Protect Personal Data Online

Nineteen US senators, led by Brian Schatz of Hawaii, reintroduced legislation to safeguard users' personal data online. The Data Care Act would impose measures on websites, apps and other online providers to ensure that personal information is protected and not misused. The act would establish "reasonable duties" to prevent misuse, including a "duty of care" to secure personal data, a "duty of loyalty" to avoid harming users and a "duty of confidentiality" when sharing data with third parties.