Crime Rates

[Larry_and_Patty]

Hey, we've been reading Punaweb posts for several months, however, this is our first post. We live in Western Montana (big mountains) and want to move to the Puna area next year. We told a friend that we want to live on the Big Island and she warned us about high crime rates. She visited Hilo about 20 years ago and said the area is full of crime, such as murders, rapes, robberies, and drugs. So what's the real situation?

[John S. Rabi]

Crime happens everywhere but I certainly would not describe Hilo as a "high crime area" and I have never had any problem there. Go online to read the Herald Tribune, the local newspaper in Hilo, and you will see most of the crime reported is petty theft.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185

[leilaniguy]

Aloha Larry & Patty, 20 years is a long time. Things have changed. When your friend was here, there was only 1 policeman for lower Puna, and it was pretty lawless. Now we have a regular police force with manned stations and 24/7 coverage. There is a problem with "ice" (methamphetamine) here, but that was a problem where I'm from in Oregon too. Most of the violent crime around here unfortunately is domestic abuse. Most property crimes (break-ins) occur at vacation homes of part-time residents that are vacant several months a year. I don't think crime rates are higher here than anywhere else in the states, I've always felt safe living here.

[John S Rabi]

Also, most of the crime happens to people who knew the attacker. Use caution like you would anywhere else and you will be OK.

John S. Rabi
ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,R
Typically Tropical Properties