Police investigating armed robberies in Kailua-Kona

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Island police are investigating two reported armed robberies this weekend in Kailua-Kona.

The first incident was reported about 8:30 p.m. Friday when two unknown men came into the Banyan Mart on Alii Drive and “held what appeared to be a handgun and demanded money,” according to a crime report distributed by Hawaii Police. Both suspects had their faces covered.

The victim reportedly gave the suspects $400 to $500 in U.S. currency from the register, police said. The suspects also demanded a bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey from behind the register.

According to police, one of the suspects told the victim “sorry” while leaving the store.

The second incident occurred about 10:55 p.m. Sunday at the Shell gas station and convenience store at the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Lako Street. Two unknown persons entered the store, according to the crime report.

One of the suspects reportedly approached the victim while holding what appeared to be a shotgun under a white shirt or towel and stated “This is a hold up!” and demanded money from the cash register, according to police.

Approximately $140 to $150 was in the register at the time, police said. That suspect then allegedly demanded two Bugler-band tobacco pouches valued each at $7.59.

The second suspect who remained near the entrance took without permission two 40 oz. bottles of Steinlager beer, valued each at $3.99. Both suspects then exited the store and fled on foot, according to police.

A spokesperson for Easely Corporation, which operates the station, said the cashier at the time followed protocol for a robbery and was uninjured. The spokesperson said the last time the store was robbed was four to five years ago.

According to police media releases, a man brandishing a handgun attempted to rob the then-Chevron station in July 2012. A male cashier refused his demand for money and the suspect fled on foot. It is unclear if anyone was ever charged in connection with the incident.