Police bust who they think is alleged ‘Barnacle’ bandit in possible parking violation scam

Hawaiʻi Island police busted who they think is the alleged “Barnacle” bandit earlier this week, arresting and charging a Kailua-Kona man in connection with a possible parking violation scam in West Hawaiʻi.

Officers through their investigation were able to identified 29-year-old Emmy Cedeno Perez as the alleged party responsible for a possible scam that involves a device called “The Barnacle” that is placed on a vehicle windshield and meant to obstruct a driver’s view until a fine is paid to remove it.

Cedeno Perez was arrested May 27 and subsequently charged with:

• Fraud.
• Third-degree theft.
• Second-degree criminal tampering.
• Failure to appear.
• Contempt of court.
• Driving without a valid license.

His bail was set at $11,600, which he posted and was released. Cedeno Perez’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 26.

Police launched an investigation into the possible parking violation scam after receiving two reports of “The Barnacle” devices being placed on windshields of parked vehicles at the top of Napo‘opo‘o Road near the popular Ka‘awaloa Trailhead in Captain Cook — close to the intersection with Hawaiʻi Belt Road (Highway 160) — while on public property and within an area devoid of “no parking” signs.

The large yellow device is similar in size to a briefcase and just as stubborn as its marine crustacean namesake when suctioned firmly to a vehicle’s windshield.

It can’t be removed — obstructing the driver’s view and temporarily immobilizing the vehicle — unitl the unlucky vehicle owner follows specific instructions.

They must call a phone number or visit a website to pay a fine so they can receive a code sent to their mobile phone after which the device can be released and removed by the driver.

Instructions further direct the driver that following “The Barnacle” being removed to bring it to a dropoff box for a partial refund of their payment.

Police issued a warning to residents about the scam May 28.

Anyone who has any information about this investigation is asked to contact Kona Community Policing Officer John Harvey at 808-326-4646, ext. 258, or via email at john.harvey@hawaiicounty.gov.