One suspect taken into custody in connection to robbery in downtown Hilo

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested one of the suspects involved in robbing contractors for Hawai‘i County in Hilo earlier this week.

Thirty-two-year-old Kukaua Keli’iho’oluhi Kaupe Bright was taken into custody at 3:15 p.m. in downtown Hilo in connection with the incident that occurred on Tuesday.

At approximately 2:55 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a reported assault on Ponahawai Street after two men reported being assaulted while working as survey contractors for the county. The men reported that just before calling police, they were conducting a drone survey off of Ponahawai Street when several men began walking toward them.

The victims reported that the men seemed angry so they began loading their equipment into their vehicle in an attempt to leave and avoid a confrontation. As the victims were attempting to drive off, they were stopped by the men who questioned the victims as to what they were doing in the area.

After the victims informed the men of who they were and the job they were hired to do, two of the men began assaulting the victims while they were seated in their vehicle, according to police. The victims received injuries to their faces, with one victim sustaining a chipped tooth. One of the suspects reached into the vehicle and took a driver’s license and drone pilot license belonging to one of the victims. The two victims then drove off to avoid being further assaulted.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation. As of this time, Bright has not been charged.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information relative to this investigation to call Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2378, or via email at jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.