Report No. 20-028844

On Sunday (April 12) South Kohala Patrol officers responded to the 69-1600 block of Puako Beach Drive, in Puako, after receiving a report of a burglary that had just occurred. The victim reported that a male and female had unlawfully entered onto a residential property, stolen several items, and left the area in a vehicle. Upon receiving this information, officers immediately canvassed the surrounding areas and located the vehicle and the responsible individuals on Kawaihae Road.

37-year-old Elaine Abbott, of Honokaʻa, and 37-year-old Sinbad Mareko, of Kailua-Kona, were arrested and subsequently transported to the Kealakehe Police Station as officers continued the investigation. The vehicle they were located in was recovered, and upon execution of a search warrant, several items belonging to the victim were recovered from within the vehicle.

On Monday (April 13) officers charged Abbott with one count each of Reckless Driving, Burglary in the First Degree, and Prohibited Acts – Emergency Management. Her bail was set at $10,750. 

Mareko was charged with one count each of Burglary in the First Degree and Prohibited Acts – Emergency Management. His bail was set at $10,500. Both remain in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station pending their initial court appearance today at the Kona District Court.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact South Kohala Patrol Officer Sidra Brown at (808) 887-3080 or the non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Police would like to remind the public that there are enhanced penalties for certain criminal offenses in light of the current COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation declared by Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige. These offenses include but are not limited to burglary, robbery, theft, and criminal property damage.