Hawai‘i Island police seek public help identifying suspects following vehicle thefts in Kona

The Hawai‘i Island Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals wanted for questioning in two vehicle thefts in the Kona area earlier this month.

The thefts occurred on June 8 sometime between 3 and 7 a.m. on the 75-5500 block of Māmalahoa Highway. According to the department’s preliminary investigations, three suspects unlawfully stole a gray 2025 Hyundai Kona bearing Hawai‘i License Plate No. YCX 979 from a private residence.

The suspects then used the Hyundai to steal a second vehicle, described as a black 2004 Toyota Tacoma with sunroof damage, bearing Hawai‘i License Plate No. NJP 597, according to a news release from police.

Through the course of the investigation, police determined the vehicles were driven to a local business in the vicinity of the 76 block of Kuakini Highway, where a debit card left inside the Hyundai was used to make three separate fuel purchases totaling $284.95.

Review of surveillance footage from the business identified a female suspect operating the Hyundai and utilizing the stolen debit card as Carolyn Samson.

Additional surveillance footage obtained from another local business off Māmalahoa Highway in Captain Cook showed Samson using the same debit card to purchase food and beverage items totaling $51.10, according to the news release.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identities and whereabouts of the involved individuals is encouraged to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe.