Captain Cook, Hawai’i Island – Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect connected to the theft of farm equipment in Captain Cook. The incident, reported under case number 25-007117, occurred on January 23, 2025.

According to police reports, Kona patrol officers responded to a call in the 89-400 block of Hawai‘i Belt Road at approximately 8:48 a.m. on January 23rd. The victim reported that farming equipment had been stolen from their property.

Fortunately, the stolen equipment was recovered two days later, on January 25, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the 92-9000 block of Hawai‘i Boulevard within the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision. Witnesses observed an unidentified male near the recovered equipment. However, the suspect fled the area before the officers arrived on the scene.

A quick-thinking witness managed to capture a photograph of the individual, which police are now using to solicit assistance from the community.

The suspect is described as a local male with a medium build and a medium complexion, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old. He has short, dark-colored hair and was last seen wearing a black tank top with sunglasses perched on his head.

Police are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information regarding the theft to contact Kona Patrol Officer Cal-Jason Hoopai at (808) 935-3311, or via email at Cal-Jason.Hoopai@hawaiicounty.gov.

For those who prefer to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300. All information provided to Crime Stoppers is strictly confidential.

Hawai’i Island police are hopeful that the public’s assistance will lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect involved in this theft.