Beware ‘The Barnacle’: Police warn Kona residents about possible parking violation scam

Beware “The Barnacle.”

That’s the warning Hawaiʻi Island police issued Tuesday to Kailua-Kona residents about a possible parking violation scam by the same gnarly nautical name now under investigation at the top of Napoʻopoʻo Road, near the intersection with Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Highway 160).

Police have received multiple reports about a parking enforcement device known as “The Barnacle” being placed on vehicle windshields at the top of Napoʻopoʻo Road.

As implied, the large yellow device is just as stubborn as its marine crustacean namesake when attached firmly to the windshield. It is designed to obstruct the driver’s view, temporarily immobilizing the vehicle.

Instructions on “The Barnacle” direct the unlucky vehicle owner to call a specific phone number or visit a website to pay a fine and receive a code so the device can be removed from the windshield.

Parking citations are typically issued by Hawaiʻi Police Department officers or other authorized Hawai’i county agencies, according to county code, and payment is processed through normal official government channels — not via telephone nor third-party websites using a removal code.

Anyone who has become a victim of “The Barnacle” — which Big Island law enforcement thinks could be fraudulent activity — and those who might have information regarding this parking violation scam are urged to contact Kona Community Policing Officer John Harvey at 808-326-4646, ext. 258.

The public also is reminded that vigilance is always the best policy.

Scammers — no matter the fraud they are attempting — often create a sense of urgency, coercing victims into immediate action.

They might threaten arrest, fines or legal consequences to pressure their target into revealing personal information or making immediate payments.

Take a step back before making any decisions. Remain calm and verify the authenticity of the information you have or are getting.

With parking violation notices, verify any you receive and know how the process of normally works.