02-11-2009, 05:41 PM
Hey, I just want to let you all know that there is an auto theft ring going on at the Ahalanui hot pond. The cops know about it but don't seem to want to do anything about it. Oh, they say they have tried stake outs but they just never get any action when they are there. We come over about once a year to check on our property in Puna and stay for a week or so. The day before we left on January 19th we partially packed our rental car and then got the bright idea to go to relax in the pond one more time before returning home to the cold. After getting in the water someone asked if anyone had a cell phone cause their car was just stolen from the parking lot. My husband went to get our car keys outta the bag and it was gone with a guy running across the grass. He pursued the guy and got to the car in time for the thief to lock the doors. He got away with our car and about $4000 worth of stuff including all of our pictures for the last two weeks of our vacation. I found another person online that this happened to the week before us, same scenerio.
The cops took our report and said that it happens 2 to 3 times per week out of the hot pond. Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?? I have spoke with our councilwoman, Emily Naeole, (808-965-2713), and Kevin at the Mayor's office (808-961-8508) and both are fired up and want to light a fire under the police to take care of this issue. It seems that there is a huge problem with burglary and auto theft in Puna right now and it is sad. It not only hurts the people it happens to but people have mouths and they tend to use them when something bad happens. That means less people coming to visit that side and less revenue and property values go down too.
I would like to ask anyone who is interested in getting involved to contact the Mayor and Councilwoman and anyone else you can think of to show that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. The more people they hear from the more ammo they will have to fix the situation and they DO want to hear from you. I even found one of my cameras on Craigslist and when I asked the cop to follow up on the lead he said that would be entrapment....HELLO!!!!! Aren't they TRYING to CATCH these thieves?? Apparently not! So I will step down off my soap box now and leave the decision to you...I hope you will join with me and others in helping to make our part of the island safe for everyone. Sorry this was so lenghty, but I feel it is important to get involved and take care of our area...if we don't, who will?? I'm open to any suggestions??
Thanks, Lori