A 31-year-old Kailua-Kona man is facing robbery and assault charges after reportedly stealing a backpack from a 63-year-old man on a North Kona beach.
Shortly after 6 p.m. on Sunday, Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of a theft of a backpack that had occurred on the beach within the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Upon officer’s arrival, officers met with a 63-year-old man who reported that his backpack and its contents had been stolen by an unknown man. The victim reported that he gave chase to the unknown male, later identified as Kelvin Malakaua, which resulted in a struggle ensuing between the victim and the suspect. Malakaua then reportedly fled the area on foot.
As a result of the struggle, the victim suffered minor injuries, but declined medical treatment, according to police.
While speaking with the victim and witnesses, officers were informed that the suspect was walking along the shoreline in close vicinity to where the incident had occurred. Malakaua was contacted by officers and taken into custody for suspicion of robbery.
He was transported to the Kona Police Station’s cellblock while detectives assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation. On Tuesday morning, he was charged with second-degree robbery and third-degree assault. Bail was set at $11,000 pending an initial court appearance slated Wednesday.
Anyone who may have been at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and witnessed the incident should contact Officer Kiley Loo or Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646 ext. 238 or via email at Donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311.