Police investigating large Hilo brawl of teenagers, adults after reports of weapons, injuries

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a large rumble involving dozens of people that broke out Thursday afternoon at Mohouli Park and nearby streets in Hilo.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, police responded at 3:17 p.m. to reports of a disturbance involving an estimated 30 to 40 teenagers at Mohouli Park.

Shortly afterward, dispatchers received multiple calls reporting that about 50 juveniles and adults were fighting in the area of Pōpolo and Hema streets, with some participants reportedly armed with machetes.

Officers also received reports that one person had been struck by a vehicle and another injured during the altercation.

Patrol and community policing officers responded to the scene, assisted by criminal investigation detectives, Juvenile Aid Section detectives and traffic enforcement officers.

A 27-year-old man was taken by ambulance to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle, authorities said.

A 15-year-old boy was also treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries after being hit with a blunt object.

Police arrested 20-year-old Joe-One Renwick on suspicion of failure to disperse. He remained in custody Friday pending further investigation. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested and charged with third-degree assault.

In a separate arrest connected to the incident, police took 20-year-old Diatson Kosme of Hilo into custody on suspicion of second-degree criminal property damage and third-degree theft. Investigators said Kosme was identified at the scene as the suspect who intentionally damaged a vehicle and stole a person’s AirPods.

Kosme remained in custody as detectives continued a felony investigation. Police are also seeking information about a lime-green Kia Soul that left the area following the disturbance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Robert Kamau of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2384 or by email at Robert.Kamau@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tips may also be provided through the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contactt CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.