Strange car on Auli'i

[Punaperson]

I had to make several trips up and down Auli'i this afternoon while helping a friend with some repairs. I saw a strange vehicle that someone may be able to help identify ( or keep an eye on).

- First saw it about 4pm, parked on 40th right after the intersection. It's a beat up, grey sedan (Toyota?), with the trunk being held down by a black rubber bungee.

- Still there when I went by 15 minutes later. The front license plate was muddied up, and unreadable.

- Went by again 10 minutes later, stopped and rolled down my window, could see there were 2 guys inside, and asked if they needed any help. They kind of stammered no, started the car, and backed into the intersection without looking. They peeled out going up hill.

- One more trip downhill ( beer run to the General Store, ), and the same car, bungee holding down the trunk, was parked on Auli'i just past the 39th St. intersection. Cars were going uphill, so I had an excuse to pull up behind it, but the back license plate was also muddied and unreadable. The car took off, and I was able to see that it took a right onto the highway.

I may be just a little paranoid, but it seemed very strange for this neighborhood. If they were just waiting for someone, or hoping to get better cell phone reception, I would think they would have said so. Please keep an eye out, and keep safe.

[leilanidude]

Why didn't you call the police non emergency number and report it"

[Punaperson]

I think I used a combination of practicality and common sense in not calling the police in this instance.

I've had a fair amount of encounters with the police while I've lived here in OLE.

When there has been a threat of immediate danger or violence, their response has been rapid, professional, and greatly appreciated.

When my house was broken into while I was not home ( never in the first 28 years, 3 times after Auli'i was paved ), they came to take statements and make reports, within 24 hours after I called.

If I called the non-emergency number with something as non-specific as a " grey, beat-up car with 2 guys in it that had its hood held down with a bungee that was parked in odd places, last seen driving down the highway towards Pahoa ", I expect the response would have been minimal, not only because of the shortage of police staffing during any given shift, but also because the only thing I could report was that they looked suspicious, not that I had seen them do anything illegal.

I did what I think is practical, and informed neighbors/friends and asked them to help spread the word, posted here to inform a larger audience, and asked a friend who does Facebook ( I don't ), to put something on the OLE page. There will now be many eyes who will be aware, not only here in OLE, but also from the larger Punaweb community.

[dan d]

Hey puna,
As a neighborhood watch person, never feel that u are wrong to report anything! The cops need any info u can give them. It might be nothin or it mite be a clue to uncover a murder, dont assume,feel free to tellem. I always get a thank u sir for the info no matter how lame it might be. Weither its about a dog trying to bite me or a suspicious car. I reportem all.
Bookem dan d
Aloha


HPP

[birdmove]

Nice job. Now others can keep their eyes open for this gray Toyota sedan with a bungee holding the trunk closed and dirty license plates. Probably smeared them with mud so they aren't readable.

Jon in Keaau/HPP

[randomq]

The police should receive reports by text and email, or an app with GPS. Give them the info without tying up an operator etc. If the police get enough texts about a suspicious gray sedan, maybe they will send some officers to check it out. Or at least they will have a lead if a crime is later reported.