Police Break Up Burglary Ring, Arrest 10

Over the past week, Big Island police have arrested 10 individuals involved in a drug-related burglary ring in Kona.

The series of arrests began on Sept. 12 with the apprehension of 31-year-old Joshua Watan of Kealakekua. He has been charged with meth trafficking and five other drug offenses, burglary and four counts of theft. His bail was set at $428,000 but he was also charged for revocation of bail from an earlier release which is a non-release offense.

Nicole Adams. HPD photo.

Also on that day police arrested 51-year-old Nicole Adams of Captain Cook on suspicion of hindering prosecution for allegedly harboring Ryan Jeffries-Hamar, a fugitive from the Hale Nani Correctional Facility. She was charged the next day and her bail was set at $2,000.

The most recent arrests occurred Tuesday when police apprehended 24-year-old Daniel Estocado on suspicion of car theft and burglary. He is being held pending further investigation.

Colvin Gaspar. HPD photo.

Police on Tuesday also arrested 20-year-old Colvin Gaspar of Kailua-Kona on suspicion of hindering prosecution for allegedly hiding a fugitive. He was charged today with that offense and his bail was set at $2,000.

Also on Tuesday, police charged Joseph Narzisi, who was already in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo, with kidnapping.

Police said Narzisi on Aug. 21 allegedly forced his way into the home of a 26-year-old Kailua-Kona resident, assaulted him and threatened him with a gun. Narzisi then forced the man into a vehicle and continued assaulting and threatening him until the victim was able to escape. Narzisi’s bail was set at $87,000.

On Monday, Sean Gregory of Kailua-Kona was arrested in connection with the theft of vehicles in Waikoloa and Kalaoa. He remains in police custody pending charges.

On Sept. 13, police acting on a tip went to a home in Kalaoa where they arrested 36-year Curtis Hoku Kekahuna of Waimea, who was later charged with various drug charges, three counts of car theft, and on four outstanding bench warrants. His bail was set at $83,000.

Halatoa Fakatoumafi. HPD photo.

At that residence police also arrested Halatoa Fakatoumafi, 28, of Kailua-Kona and 22-year-old Gensyn Waltjen of Hilo on suspicion of drug offenses and recovered a vehicle stolen in Hilo. Their investigation also led to information that resulted in the seizure of two other stolen cars.

Jessica Tuifua. HPD photo.

Fakatoumafi was charged two days later with several drug and car theft charges. He, along with 39-year-old Jessica Tuifua, was also charged with hindering prosecution for allegedly hiding Kekahuna. Bail was set at $87,000 for Fakatoumafi’s and at $2,000 for Tuifua. Waltjen was released pending additional investigation.

Police Lt. Sherry Bird said tips from the public played a prominent role in dismantling the burglary ring.

“We are grateful to our community for helping to act as our eyes and ears,” Bird said. “Their help was critical in helping us solve this rash of crimes.”