Tire and rim stolen from state-owned backhoe on Big Island
Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a rear right side tire and rim that were stolen in Hāmākua from a backhoe owned by the State Department of Transportation Highways Division.
The theft occurred on the mauka (west) shoulder of Highway 19 between Laupahoehoe Gulch and Kaʻawaliʻi Gulch, police said.
The tire was last seen on the backhoe on Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. and discovered missing on Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. The estimated value of the tire and the rim is $2,500.
Police ask anyone with information regarding suspicious activity in the area or the location of the tire to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or contact Officer Paul Isotani at paul.isotani@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers islandwide at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
Pictured is the rear left side tire.