Hawai‘i Island police arrested six East Hawai‘i men as part of their ongoing investigation into a large affray that took place Monday, June 12, 2023, at Kealoha Beach Park in Hilo.
Responding to a report of criminal property damage at 6:46 p.m. on Monday, police contacted a 17-year-old male who reported that he and two other male teens, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were in a vehicle parked at Kealoha Beach Park, when they were approached and assaulted by six males.
The 17-year-old victim that reported the incident told police that one of the male suspects opened the door where he was seated, pulled him out of the vehicle by his legs, and onto the ground. The victim was then struck multiple times by several suspects, with one of the suspects pulling a gold chain from his neck before leaving the area.
Hawai‘i Fire Department medics arrived on scene and transported the 17-year-old victim to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for bruising, swelling to his eye, lacerations to his head, shoulder, and an ear. The two other juvenile victims did not seek medical care at the time of this incident, however they were observed to be injured.
The vehicle the teens were sitting in, a 2015 Honda sedan, sustained damages by the suspects, including a broken rear glass window, a flat tire, and multiple vehicle dents.
Police determined that 45-year-old Lanakila Poaha of Hilo was a suspect in the incident and subsequently located and arrested him latest that evening at his Hilo residence.
In the course of their investigation, police identified five additional suspects, including two sets of fathers and sons, involved in this incident and arrested them for unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, which is considered a felony offense. The arrested suspects include:
- Cy Poaha, age 21, of Hilo, (son of Lanakila Poaha)
- Joshua Godbolt age 40, of Kurtistown
- Alize Godbolt, age18, of Kurtistown (son of Joshua Godbolt)
- Justin Godbolt-Agustin, age 24, of Kurtistown (son of Joshua Godbolt)
- Micah Castro, age 21, of Kea‘au
All six men remain in police custody as police continue their investigation into the incident. Police are expected to seek a charging decision in the felony investigation later today. The offenses include entering into a vehicle to commit a crime against person or property rights, assault, criminal property damage, and robbery for taking the necklace by force.
“Incidents like this are not what our island is about, it is a public safety issue when members of the public cannot enjoy a weekend at a beach park,” said Lieutenant Zachary Fernando, of HPD’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section.
While commending the quick efforts of detectives in apprehending the responsible suspects, the lieutenant added that this kind of behavior is concerning, “Hawai‘i Island police will do everything they can to maintain public safety and a secure environment by enforcing the law and bringing justice to victims. This kind of behavior is just unacceptable.”
Noting that videos of this incident surfaced on social media, police are asking anyone who has video evidence or information regarding this incident to please come forward and provide that information to Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the East Hawaii Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378, or via email at Jeremy.Kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.