KAILUA-KONA — Police on Tuesday arrested a man and woman in Leilani Estates following complaints from residents of the area about trespassers in a home on Maile Street.
While investigating, police reportedly found David Kainoa Paio and Tina Yoon, both 47, in a vacant home. A statement from the Hawaii Police Department said the two were arrested on suspicion of trespassing.
During the investigation, police added, officers also reportedly found a firearm, and Paio was arrested on suspicion of possession of the altered weapon.
Leilani Estates earlier this year was devastated by the lava flow, which forced residents to evacuate. Police said some of the unoccupied homes “have become a haven for homeless people and a focal point for criminal activity.”
Police are working with residents and the local community association to clear the area of people illegally occupying homes, while the community association is also notifying homeowners to safeguard their homes and post “no trespassing” signs to aid officers.
Police in the Puna District plan to continue working on ways to sweep neighborhoods and are encouraging members of the community to get involved, including through neighbohood watch groups.
Those interested in establishing a neighborhood watch group or for help finding such groups in the Puna District can call Officer Jeremy Kubojiri, or Duwayne Waipa of the Community Policing Section at 965-2716.