KAʻŪ, HI – Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section has apprehended and charged two men in separate incidents in the Kaʻū district. Both individuals were wanted on outstanding bench warrants and were located in the Ocean View and Nāʻālehu areas.
The first arrest occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at approximately 10:55 a.m., when 29-year-old Andrew Amon of Ocean View was taken into custody at a residence on the 92-8600 block of Orchid Parkway in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision.
Following consultation with the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office, Amon was charged later that same day with a string of offenses including:
- First-degree theft (automobile)
- Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle
- Second-degree assault
- Abuse of a family/household member
- Three counts of third-degree assault
- Second-degree criminal property damage
- Two counts of fourth-degree criminal property damage
- Habitual property crime
- Violation of terms and condition of probation
- Contempt of court
Amon’s total bail was set at $116,100, and he was slated to appear in both Kona District and Circuit Court on Monday, April 14. Police noted that Amon is also a suspect in a separate theft investigation, which will be forwarded to the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The second individual, 23-year-old Kaleo Mello of Nāʻālehu, was arrested on Monday, April 14, after the Hawaiʻi Police Department issued a media release requesting public assistance in locating him. Mello was wanted on two warrants and was considered armed and dangerous.
Acting on tips received from the public, detectives located and apprehended Mello at a residence in the Green Sands subdivision in Nāʻālehu. He was subsequently charged with:
- First degree burglary
- Second-degree theft
- Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle
Mello’s bail was set at $3,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Kona Circuit Court on Tuesday, April 15.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department expressed its gratitude to the community for their assistance in locating both wanted individuals.
Note: Andrew Amon (long hair, black shirt) and Kaleo Mello (short hair, black and grey shirt) are pictured.
Report No.: 24-037432 and 24-084949
