Hawai‘i Island police veteran recognized for work on criminal case that led to arrest following recovery of DNA evidence

A 12-year veteran for Hawai‘i Island police was recognized among the awardees for Top Cop Hawai‘i in Honolulu.

The O‘ahu-based nonprofit honored Detective David Po‘ohina and his investigative work, specifically his efforts on two major violent crime cases in Hilo which led to the arrest of a suspect through DNA evidence.

According to previous reports from Hawai‘i Island police, Hiram Dale Keli‘i Kuilauwoho Kawelu, 37, of Washington State, was taken into custody in August after DNA evidence connected him to two violent incidents that occurred in Hilo, an assault of a caretaker during a burglary in January and the death of a delivery truck driver three years ago.

Po‘ohina, who has served in the Area I Criminal Investigation Section since November 2023, was assigned to the home burglary case. Through the course of the investigation, the detective learned two masked men, one armed with a shotgun and the other with a large ratchet breaker bar, forced entry into the victims’ home, demanding to know the location of a safe. When a caretaker attempted to intervene, the suspects assaulted the caretaker before fleeing the scene.

Over the next several months, Po‘ohina conducted follow-up, interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, executing search warrants, and submitting evidence for forensic testing, which ultimately led to the identification of a suspect through DNA evidence.

When Po‘ohina learned that the suspect had relocated out of state and was on probation, he continued building the case, the release stated. Coordinating with authorities, Po‘ohina arrested the suspect upon his return to Hawai‘i Island in August.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with multiple felonies in connection with the home invasion, with bail set at more than $250,000.

During the course of that investigation, Po‘ohina was also assigned to investigate an unsolved 2022 homicide in Hilo, in which a 62-year-old delivery driver was killed after being struck by a vehicle during an attempted truck theft. Although no suspects were initially identified, a partial DNA profile was recovered. Based on witness accounts and a totality of information obtained in both investigations, Detective Po‘ohina requested comparison DNA testing, which confirmed the same suspect was responsible for both crimes.

Following that confirmation, Po‘ohina obtained a second arrest warrant, and the suspect was charged in the 2022 homicide case. He is currently being held without bail.

“Detective Po‘ohina’s unwavering dedication to these investigations reflects the professionalism and compassion that define our department,” said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “His determination brought accountability for a senseless loss of life and helped deliver justice and peace of mind to another family deeply impacted by violence. His work exemplifies our mission to protect and serve every member of our community.”

Top Cop Hawai‘i is dedicated to advancing public safety by awarding scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice and by recognizing excellence in law enforcement and professional security.