An investigation is underway on vandalism enacted upon the Captain Cook Monument, the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement stated in an email Monday, Jan. 3 to Big Island Now.
“DOCARE is aware and a report will be filed,” the office stated. “The investigation remains open.”
The white obelisk tower that marks the spot where explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay was defaced sometime around Jan. 1. It was smeared with red paint with the words, “You are on Native Land” written on it.
“The DLNR Division of State Parks was informed of the monument vandalism on New Year’s Day and it is believed to be the first vandalism incident there,” the department stated.
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Tom Hasslinger Tom Hasslinger is a journalist who lives in Kailua-Kona. Prior to joining Big Island Now, he worked as the managing editor for West Hawaii Today and deputy editor for The Garden Island newspaper on Kauai. He's worked for over 15 years as a reporter for the Oahu-based Civil Beat news outlet, as well as in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Douglas Wyoming. Read Full Bio
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