Police Arrest, Charge Suspect in Kona “Barnacle” Parking Scam

by Thunda
1 minutes read

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island police have announced an arrest and charges in their investigation into a parking violation scam involving a “barnacle” device in West Hawaiʻi. Emmy Cedeno Perez, 29, of Kailua-Kona, has been charged in connection with the fraudulent scheme.

The investigation was initiated after police received two reports of a device, colloquially known as a “barnacle,” being affixed to the windshields of vehicles. These incidents occurred at the top of Nāpoʻopoʻo Road, near the popular Kaʻawaloa Trailhead in Captain Cook. Reports indicated the vehicles were parked on public property in an area where no “no parking” signs were present.

A “barnacle” is described as a briefcase-like device that suctions onto a vehicle’s windshield, preventing its removal until a payment is made according to instructions provided on the device. Upon payment, a code is sent to the driver’s mobile phone to release the device. Drivers are then instructed to deposit the “barnacle” into a designated drop box for a partial refund.

Through their investigation, officers identified Emmy Cedeno Perez as the individual responsible for the placement of the “barnacle” device. He was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Cedeno Perez was subsequently charged with several offenses, including:

  • Fraud
  • Third-degree theft
  • Second-degree criminal tampering
  • Failure to appear
  • Contempt of court
  • Driving without a valid license

His bail was set at $11,600, which Cedeno Perez posted, leading to his release from police custody. He is currently awaiting a court date scheduled for June 26, 2025.

Police are asking anyone with further information regarding this investigation to contact Kona Community Policing Officer John Harvey at (808) 326-4646 ext. 258, or via email at john.harvey@hawaiicounty.gov.

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