Hawai‘i police have arrested and Hawai’i County Prosecutors have charged 29-year-old Tomas Traverso of Hilo as a result of an agricultural theft investigation in Hilo.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Thursday September 29, 2022, on a farm in the Wainaku area. The suspect was observed removing 30 pounds of rambutan, valued at $125, and placing it in a cart. A worker from the farm confronted the suspect and detained him until police arrived. 

Prosecutors charged Traverso with second-degree theft and second-degree criminal trespass. His total bail was set at $1,250.

Police encourage the public to report all suspected agricultural theft incidents by calling the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe.