Police are searching for a man suspected of a murder on Thanksgiving night in downtown Hilo. Kalani Lono Kaohimaunu, 34, Hilo, was last seen about 9 a.m. Friday in the Kalapana area.
Kaohimaunu is a suspect in the shooting of Keola Penovaroff, 39, Hilo, who police found unresponsive with a gunshot wound Thursday night outside a home in 100 block of West Kawailani Street. They were called at 10:20 p.m. and police said there were gunshots and a car fled from the scene, police said.
Kaohimaunu is described as 5-foot 10, 160 pounds with brown hair. His last known address was in Hilo. Police said he may be operating a brown or tan Honda or Acura sedan.
Penovaroff was pronounced dead at 10:57 p.m. Thursday at Hilo Medical Center.
“Police caution anyone who sees him not to approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Instead, anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov,” the department wrote in a press release.
People 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. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.