Mayor Roth mourns murdered Hilo couple

This post was updated at 7:58 a.m. Jan. 17.

County of Hawai‘i Mayor Mitch Roth has issued a statement on the deaths of Jeffrey and Carla Takamine, the owners of a family-run cookie shop killed Monday morning, allegedly by their grandson.

“It is with deep sadness and hurt that I’ve learned of the unexpected deaths of Uncle Jeff and Aunty Carla Takamine — both of whom I’ve been blessed to call friends,” Mayor Roth said. “They were two of the most generous, giving, and caring people I’ve ever known, and I join in the grieving of many throughout our community who have had the privilege to be touched by their warmth and aloha.

“Through that warmth, I ask that we hold the Takamine family in our thoughts as they go through a time of great hurt, sadness and healing. In hard times, our community comes together, and I trust that we will continue to rally around the Takamines as they deal with this tragic incident.”

Their 21-year-old grandson was arrested in Hilo in connection to their deaths.

Hawai‘i police responded to the residence, located on Makalika Street, shortly before 7 a.m. on Monday to a report of an unknown-type disturbance. When South Hilo patrol officers arrived, they found an elderly couple — later identified as Jeffrey Yoshio Takamine and Carla Kayoko Takamine, both aged 68 — dead. They also found a 28-year-old male at the residence who had potentially life-threatening injuries to his head.

The injuries to the victims appeared to be stab-wound type injuries, according to police. The responsible person, later identified as 21-year-old Joshua Ho, was being restrained by family members. He was arrested without incident.

Ho was also taken to Hilo Medical Center for lacerations to his hands. Following treatment, he was taken to the Hilo police cellblock.

The 28-year-old victim was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for multiple lacerations to his head and was subsequently released.

The Takamines were owners of Big Island Delights, a family operated business in Hilo since 1996 that created premium cookies and confections, according to its website.

“Owners Jeff and Carla Takamine operate their business like their family, and the two are closely intertwined. Values such as generosity, respect and honesty are key to the company’s growth and success,” the website said.

The store is now closed indefinitely.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing this investigation, which is classified as a first-degree murder.

Detectives are currently working on a search warrant for the residence. Upon execution of the warrant, the scene will be processed, and the deceased will be taken to the Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death.

Autopsies for the victims are scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine the exact cause of death.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information.