Police Investigating Kona Salvation Army Robbery

Hawai‘i Island police confirmed on Monday, Aug. 1 that they are investigating a burglary that occurred at the Salvation Army Kona Corps. facility on the 75-200 block of Kalani Street in Kailua-Kona.

The Salvation Army Kona Corps reported Friday, July 29, that their facility was broken into sometime in the prior 24-48 hours where apparent thieves took off with $1,000 worth of back-to-school supplies for keiki in need, and $3,000 worth of food and other items.

The food items were meant for weekly food pantry distributions, and toiletry items taken were given to kupuna. Also, large food coolers used during Thanksgiving meal and other food distributions were taken. During the reported heist, the building suffered damage, including several broken doors and windows.

With the giveaways still planned, the Salvation Army is asking for the community to step in at the last-minute to help them fulfill their mission of helping those in need.

Police stated Monday that it was reported that sometime between Tuesday, July 26, and Friday, July 29, unknown persons, forcibly entered to the establishment and stole numerous undisclosed items. At this time, police have not received an estimated valuation of the items that were stolen.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding this incident call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or email Officer D. Manuel at Devon.Manuel@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.