KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiʻi Island Police are investigating a concerning parking violation scam that has emerged at the top of Nāpoʻopoʻo Road, near its intersection with Hawaiʻi Belt Road. Residents are being warned after multiple reports of a sophisticated device, known as “The Barnacle,” being placed on vehicle windshields.
“The Barnacle” is a large, yellow device designed to temporarily immobilize a vehicle by obstructing the driver’s view. According to victims, instructions on the device direct the vehicle owner to call a specific number or visit a website to pay a fine in order to receive a code to remove the device.
Police believe this is a fraudulent scheme, as legitimate parking enforcement in the area does not utilize “The Barnacle” device or demand payment in this manner. It’s crucial for the public to understand that official parking citations in Hawaii are typically issued by the Hawaii State Judiciary or authorized county agencies, with payment processed through official government channels, not via third-party websites or direct phone calls to unverified numbers for a removal code.
Authorities are urging anyone who has been a victim of this scam or has any information related to this parking violation fraud to immediately contact Community Policing Officer John Harvey at (808) 326-4646 ext. 258.
The police department reminds residents to be vigilant and verify any parking violation notices they receive, especially if they involve unusual payment methods or require interaction with unknown devices.