Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pohoiki Punch Up?!
#1
Hawai#699;i Police Department
Puna District
Captain Samuel Jelsma
Phone: 965-2716
Report No. C15018911


Media Release

Hawai#699;i Island police are asking the public for any information about a large affray and the discharge of a firearm Sunday afternoon (June 28) at the Pohoiki boat ramp in Puna.

Responded to a 4:10 p.m. call reporting that an estimated 40 persons were involved in an affray and that a gunshot was heard, police discovered a 33-year-old man with injuries to his face and body consistent with an assault. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center and later reported to be in stable condition. A 15-year-old boy at the scene reported being punched and choked but declined treatment.

Officers conducting checks of the surrounding area located a semi-automatic pistol in the bush area, which matched the description of the firearm reportedly discharged into the air.

Police were called back to the boat ramp later that afternoon to another report of an affray and observed several individuals involved in a verbal argument. They arrested 32-year-old Junior Santiago of Kea#699;au on an outstanding bench warrant.

Police have identified a suspect in the discharge of the firearm and are continuing the investigation into that incident as a reckless endangering case. They have also initiated assault cases and additional related cases. They ask anyone who witnessed Sunday’s events or who is able to provide information to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Officer Brian Souki at 965-2716.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

In response to the events Sunday, police will display a more visible presence in the area and will step up enforcement efforts.
Reply
#2
Wow. Sounds like a big brawl, almost a small riot. If the cops have a suspect identified in the gun incident, why aren't they releasing a name and description? It might have been intended to stop or break up the fight, but was very bad judgment, not to mention illegal.
Reply
#3
would be curious to hear what such a brawl at Pohoiki involving 40 persons was about. as much as i love First Bay, somehow i kinda doubt it was a fight over surf turf.
Reply
#4
Or maybe some punawebber complained to the wrong person about loud music ... LOL

aloha,
pog
Reply
#5
Hey!
Puna: Our roosters crow first
Reply
#6
They should put a Police and Fire substation in the parking lot there by the bathrooms
Reply
#7
quote:
Originally posted by Seeb

They should put a Police and Fire substation in the parking lot there by the bathrooms


And a lifeguard by the boat ramp...
Reply
#8
pleeeZ no

Boats coming in simply need to blow horn 1-2 X

Everybody hear, an out / ready ............... So simple. ZERO drama.

nuff said ... Macho fishermen and tour guides take note.

pog




Reply
#9
quote:
Originally posted by lavalava

quote:
Originally posted by Seeb

They should put a Police and Fire substation in the parking lot there by the bathrooms


And a lifeguard by the boat ramp...

No can. State (and County) says it's not a "swimming area", if they put a lifeguard it shows the State is liable. At least, that's the mantra for the past 15-20 years.

Not to mention, the police/fire substation was a need when the Honorable Mayor Bernard Akana first took notice of the Pohoiki area, and Issac Hale Beach Park. When the lava took Harry K. Brown Park, federal monies had to be spent in a certain amount of time (County chose Pohoiki), or lose the $$$ (under Harry Kim as Mayor).

When Yamashiro was Mayor, he stated, "well, we could put the substation there, but we can't staff it".

When Harry Kim was Mayor, he pushed through the bypass road (a good thing, given Red Rock Road was sinking and deteriorating), and approved the growth of the park.

Still no substation, and no lifeguards at the dock (again, liability for the State; County jurisdiction ends at the parking lot). With the amount of people who are enjoying (or trying to) Pohoiki today, we better step up and do our part, either in testimony, or physical presence, or volunteering, whatever it takes, to make Pohoiki a family safe "park" again.

I remember vividly Fred Blas yelling at the kids, "GET OUT OF THE WATER! YOU CAN'T SWIM HERE!". Then, the DNLR threatened fines for a while. SMH. Several generations have used that area for swimming. Any State or Federal, or County agency is not going to change that at this point. Why not pursue a SAFE swimming area, especially for the keiki, while their Dad and Mom is surfing? Twenty five (25) years plus, we have been fighting for this area. Time to make some serious changes.

JMO.

ETA: Typo; "chose" not "choose" - kala mai
Reply
#10
what's your objection to a lifeguard at that location, pog?

just curious.
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)