Detectives with Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in an early morning robbery in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

At 4:25 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a reported robbery in the 79-5900 block of Ali‘i Drive.  Investigating officers determined that a 43-year old man and a 45-year-old woman visiting from California were confronted by three unknown males in a vehicle who demanded money from the couple. When the male victim said he had no money, one of the suspects exited the vehicle, tried to physically assault him, and stole his cell phone as the female victim ran and called police. The suspects then fled the area in an older model, darker colored sports utility vehicle. The victim did not sustain any injuries.

According to the male victim, all three suspects were young adults with average builds who wore black clothing and black ski masks. Suspect number one who tried to assault him, (featured in composite sketch), is described as darker skinned, possibly Hispanic, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a thin, dark wiry mustache. Suspect number two and three are described as 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and were both noticeably heavier than suspect number one. Composite sketches are not available for suspects two and three.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who resides in the area and may have video surveillance footage, is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.