HPD Investigates West Hawai’i Cemetery Theft

The Hawai’i Police Department is investigating a March theft of Hawai’i County equipment from West Hawai’i Veterans Cemetery.The Hawai’i Police Department is investigating a theft that occurred in March at the West Hawai’i Veterans Cemetery. During the theft, a variety of high-priced items owned by the County of Hawai’i were stolen.

Police say the items, including heavy equipment, were removed from the cemetery at some point between March 12 at 2 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. on March 13. The cemetery is located between the 88 and 89 mile marker,s across from the entrance to Kua Bay. Authorities estimated that the items stolen hold a value of $ai

One of the larger items stolen was a Trail King dual-axel trailer, valued at $17,995. An anonymous tip led police to the location of the trailer in Waimea on April 16. According to police, the trailer had been modified and damaged.

Additional items stolen include a small electric water pump with a metal pressurized tank, valued at $600, a red Honda four-stroke weed trimmer, valued at $700 and a white-and-reddish-orange Stihl blower, valued at $500, a Solo backpack sprayer with a clear tank, valued at $100, two gas-powered law edgers, valued at $300 each, two pop-up tents, valued at $200 each, a deep-cycle battery valued at $400, and other assorted tools and equipment.

HPD is investigating the case as a first-degree theft.

Anyone with information about the theft or the location of any of the items that were stolen should call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311, contact Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, extension 263, or e-mail sean.smith@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.