Kona Man Allegedly Strikes two Police Vehicles in Attempt to Flee From Officers

A Kona man and Hilo woman are facing an array of traffic, property and drug charges after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement and hitting two police vehicles in Hōlualoa earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Aug. 24, Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Kona patrol officers were making area checks on Route 180 near Hōlualoa Elementary School. They ultimately came in contact with 35-year-old Kainoa Kahoaliʻi and 42-year-old Amanda Evangelista, who were in a vehicle.

“After observing illegal narcotics inside the vehicle, the officers instructed Kahoalii to exit the car,” an HPD press release stated. “Refusing to do so, Kahoaliʻi drove off unexpectedly almost hitting one officer. He continued to disregard the officer’s orders to stop and subsequently struck two officer’s vehicles with his car.”

A preliminary estimate of damages to the officers’ vehicles is in excess of $10,000 each.

At one point, Kahoaliʻi reportedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Following a short foot pursuit, Kahoalii was taken into custody. Evangelista was taken into custody without incident.

During a search of Kahoaliʻi’s vehicle, detectives found 87.9 grams of marijuana, a glass smoking pipe with residue, and various items used for the packaging and use of illegal narcotics.

Kahoaliʻi was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal property damage, second-degree reckless endangering, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, drug paraphernalia, resisting an order to stop, reckless driving, driving without a license, obedience to a police officer and parking vehicle prohibited.

His bail was set at $45,500. Kahoaliʻi also had an outstanding bench warrant for $2,000.

Evangelista was charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and tampering with evidence. Her bail was set at $2,500. She also had an outstanding bench warrant for $400.