Man arrested for robbing tourists; police looking for South Kona woman

Man charged for robbing tourists

Hawaii Island Police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old Pahoa man with robbery stemming from an incident that occurred Sunday evening in Nanawale.

Police identified the individual arrested and charged as Lawrence K. Botelho.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Puna Patrol officers were assigned to meet with a couple at the intersection of Nanawale Boulevard and Highway 132. Upon contacting the couple, officers learned they were visiting from Canada. The couple reported that earlier in the day, they were at Kahena Beach Park. While there, they were contacted by a male individual who later offered to show them around the area. He later invited them to his residence for dinner and offered to let them stay there. Later on, while at the residence, the male suspect threatened the couple with a knife and took some of their personal belongings.

On Monday morning, Botelho was arrested at a residence on Silversword Court in Ainaloa. He was still in possession of some of the stolen property. Botelho was charged with first-degree robbery. His bail was set at $50,000.

Police remind residents and visitors to exercise caution and good judgment when contacted by individuals they are not familiar with, and to secure their vehicles and do not leave items of value in them.

Also, to report any suspicious activity to the police department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.

South Kona woman wanted

Big Island Police also are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 60-year old Wanda Denham, also known as Wanda Aina of South Kona, for an outstanding warrant of arrest.

Anyone with information on Denham’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.