After lockdown lifted at Waikōloa school, man wearing bulletproof vest charged with ammunition offenses

Reports to the Hawaiʻi Police Department on Thursday about a man dressed in green clothing walking around Mahina Street in Waikōloa Village with what appeared to be a rifle on a sling led to the lockdown of the nearby elementary and intermediate school.

The suspicious man was not immediately found. Police cleared the school and lifted the lockdown in less than hour. About two hours later, police encountered a man riding a bike in Waikōloa Village wearing a green bulletproof vest and carrying bullets.

Officers arrested the man, later identified as 42-year-old Noe Kim Raquinio of Waikōloa Village. Police determined Raquinio had a felony conviction that prohibits him from possessing ammunition. Police did not locate any firearms in this investigation.

After consulting with the County Prosecutor’s Office, police charged Raquinio with two ammunition offenses, including place to keep ammunition and ownership/possession prohibited. Raquinio was released from custody after posting $1,000 bail.

Hereʻs how it went down, according to a police news release and a letter written by Waikōloa Elementary and Intermediate School Principal Michelle Barber.

At 11:35 a.m. Thursday, South Kohala patrol officers received a report of a man dressed in green clothing walking along Mahina Street in Waikōloa Village with what appeared to be a rifle on a sling.

Eleven minutes later, Waikōloa Elementary and Intermediate School initiated a lockdown “due to a report made to law enforcement about a potentially armed individual near campus,” according to a letter written by Principal Barber to parents and guardians that was posted on the school website.

“The lockdown was initiated out of an abundance of caution and all students and staff were kept safe,” Barber wrote. “The lockdown was lifted at 12:35 p.m. after law enforcement provided all clear and classes continued on normal schedules.”

Police determined there was no imminent threat to the campus and the lockdown was lifted. But Barber said police presence remained near the campus for the remainder of the day as an added precaution.

Officers also conducted extensive checks in the area for the man but were unable to find the suspicious person, according to a police news release.

Later that day at 2:42 p.m., police received another report of a man riding a bicycle in Waikōloa Village wearing a green bulletproof vest. When responding officers contacted the man, they observed that he was in possession of bullets that were not in an enclosed container as required by law, according to the police news release.

It led to his arrest and being charged.

On the school website, principal Barber provided this update on Nov. 3: “I spoke to the police this afternoon who informed me that they were able to apprehend the suspicious individual today. They have taken him in and following their investigative protocols for handling this type of situation.”

Police say they are continuing to investigate if Raquinio is the same man reported to be carrying around the rifle earlier in the day.

Police thank the public for their diligence and remind the people: “If you see something, say something.”

Police ask anyone who may have information on this case to contact Officer Robert McKay at 808-887-3080 or by email at Robert.McKay@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous should call the islandwide Crime Stoppers line at 808-961-8300.