Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged 31-year-old Kelvin Malakaua, of Kailua-Kona, with robbery and assault after an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m. on July 4, Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of a theft of a backpack that had occurred on the beach within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.  

Upon officer’s arrival, they met with a 63-year-old man who reported that his backpack and its contents had been stolen by an unknown man. The victim reported that he gave chase to the unknown male, later identified as Malakaua, which resulted in a struggle ensuing between the victim and the suspect. Malakaua then fled the area on foot. As a result of the struggle, the victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

While speaking with the victim and witnesses, officers were informed that the suspect was walking along the shoreline in close vicinity to where the incident had occurred. Malakaua was contacted by officers and taken into custody for suspicion of robbery in the second degree. He was transported to the Kona Police Station’s cellblock while detectives assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.

On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 10:15 a.m., after conferring with county prosecutors, Malakua was charged with robbery in the second degree and assault in the third degree with his bail set at $11,000. Malakaua remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance on Wednesday July 7, 2021, in Kona District Court.

Police are asking that anyone who may have been at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and witnessed this incident contact Officer Kiley Loo or Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646 ext. 238 or via email at Donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.