Man Faces Robbery Charge After Incident in Historic Park

A Kailua-Kona man is facing robbery and assault charges after an incident at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park on Sunday, July 4.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. when Hawai‘i Police Department’s Kona Patrol officers responded to a theft of a backpack that occurred on the beach within the park. When officers arrived on scene they met with a 63-year-old man who reported that his backpack and its contents had been stolen by an unknown man.

“The victim reported that he gave chase to the unknown male, later identified as Kelvin Malakaua, which resulted in a struggle ensuing between the victim and the suspect,” HPD stated in a press release Tuesday, July 6. “Malakaua then fled the area on foot. As a result of the struggle, the victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.”

While speaking with the victim and witnesses, the release states, officers were informed that the suspect was walking along the shoreline in close vicinity to where the incident had occurred. Malakaua was contacted by officers and taken into custody for suspicion of second-degree robbery.

He was transported to the Kona Police Station’s cellblock while detectives assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.

Malakaua was officially charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree assault. His bail was set at $11,000. He remains in custody pending his initial court appearance on Wednesday, July 7 in Kona District Court.

Police are asking that anyone who may have been at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and witnessed this incident contact Officer Kiley Loo or Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-326-4646 ext. 238 or send an email to [email protected]. They may also contact the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.