Hilo affray involving about 50 people, machete reports leaves two injured

A large street affray in Hilo drew a multiunit police response after reports of roughly 50 juveniles and adults fighting in and around Mohouli Park and the intersection of Pōpolo and Hema Streets. Officers were dispatched at 3:17 p.m. on Jan. 22, and initial calls included reports that some participants were armed with machetes and that one person had been struck by a vehicle.

Two people were treated and released at Hilo Benioff Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. A 27-year-old man was transported by ambulance after being struck by a vehicle, and a 15-year-old juvenile male received treatment after being struck with a blunt object. Patrol and Community Policing officers responded along with detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, the Juvenile Aid Section, and officers from the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Police arrested 20-year-old Joe-One Renwick for failure to disperse; he remains in custody pending further investigation. A 16-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with third-degree assault. Investigators also arrested 20-year-old Diatson Kosme of Hilo on second-degree criminal property damage and third-degree theft charges after identifying him as the person who intentionally damaged a vehicle and stole a set of AirPods at the scene. Detectives continue a felony investigation into the incident.

Authorities are seeking information about a lime-green Kia Soul that left the area. Anyone with details is asked to contact Detective Robert Kamau of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2384 or via email at Robert.Kamau@hawaiicounty.gov. Information may also be provided through the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. The department listed Lieutenant Derek Morimoto as the contact at (808) 961-2252 and filed the incident under report number 26-006837.

Beyond arrests and injuries, the episode raises public health and community safety concerns for Hilo residents. Large, youth-involved confrontations increase the risk of serious injury, long-term physical and psychological trauma, and community fear that can deter use of public spaces like Mohouli Park. The involvement of juveniles underscores gaps in youth services, conflict resolution programs, and safe recreational options that may leave young people vulnerable to escalation.

Healthcare providers and schools may see ripple effects from such incidents, including increased demand for trauma-informed mental health care and coordination between juvenile services and law enforcement. Policy responses that combine policing with community-based prevention, outreach, and access to counseling would address immediate safety needs while tackling root causes tied to social inequities.

Police investigators continue to work the case. For readers, sharing credible information with Detective Robert Kamau or Crime Stoppers can assist the probe; for parents and community leaders, the event is a reminder of the need to strengthen youth supports, safe public spaces, and trauma-responsive services on Hawaiʻi Island.