Police Arrest 13 in Gambling Raids in Hilo, Kona

Big Island police conducted raids last week on alleged illegal gambling operations on both sides of the island, resulting in the arrest of 13 people.

In one raid, police served a search warrant on Unit 105 at 74-5589 Alapa Street in Kailua-Kona. There they arrested 12 people and seized 17 illegal video gambling machines. Police also seized gambling records and $18,207 in cash.

Sergio Cabal. HPD photo.

Those arrested included the alleged owner of the establishment, 44-year-old Sergio Cabal of Hilo, and his only employee, 54-year-old Aaron Hiraishi of Kailua-Kona. Police said both were arrested on suspicion of promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices and gambling records. The other 10 people arrested were actively playing the gambling machines, police said.

All 12 were held overnight in the Kona cellblock and released Saturday pending further investigation.

Those arrested on suspicion of gambling were Annie Abraham, 33; Fred Alokoa, 33; Tilda Alokoa, 32; Yun Choo, 43; Gaius Ittu, 41; Renell Kaupu-Kaialiilii, 61; Marie Pai, 51; Peter Palikshru, 26; Shrue Tosie, 33; and Timothy Sigrah, 35.

Ruth Cabal. HPD photo.

Also on Friday, police served another search warrant at what was described as a similar gambling establishment at 288 Kilauea Ave. where police arrested Cabal’s wife, Ruth Cabal, 38, for allegedly promoting gambling and possessing gambling devices and records. She was held overnight and also released Saturday.

On Monday, Sergio Cabal was arrested again on suspicion of promoting gambling at the Hilo business and then released, police said.

Aaron Hiraishi. HPD photo.

The alleged Hilo gambling hall has frosted louver windows and a sign saying “REEL FUN Amusements” which also advertised it as an internet cafe, business center and, simply, “GAMES.” Hours of operation as indicated by a sign on the door were from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Lights were on Monday afternoon inside the business but no one came to the door when a reporter knocked.

Police said the raids are the result of a six-month investigation stemming from complaints from the public. Police officials could not be reached for further comment.