Kanoelehua Avenue Robbery Leaves Hilo Man With Fractured Jaw; Police Seek Suspects

A Hilo man was left with a fractured jaw and a concussion after he was assaulted and robbed in the early hours of Jan. 11 in front of a business in the 200 block of Kanoelehua Avenue, Hawai‘i Island police say. The attack, which involved three men, occurred at about 2:00 a.m. and has prompted an Area I Criminal Investigation Section probe.

Police say the victim was alone when the three local males approached and a heated conversation escalated into violence. One suspect kicked the man in the jaw, after which the other two joined in and repeatedly struck him. During the assault, an unknown suspect allegedly removed cash from the victim’s pants pocket. The victim was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment; authorities have not released further information about his condition.

Hawai‘i Police Department investigators released detailed descriptions of two of the suspects but said no photographs are available and no description has been released for the third male. Suspect one is described as a local male in his 20s to 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 220 pounds, last seen wearing blue jeans, a gray shirt, a gold-colored chain and a green-and-yellow “Athletics Team” brand baseball cap. Suspect two is described as a local male in his 20s to 30s, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, wearing a gray shirt, a gold-colored chain and a black hat. Authorities emphasize the suspects are being sought and that no arrests or charges were announced in the initial release.

The investigation centers on downtown Hilo during a late-night window when foot traffic can be light and businesses may have limited staffing. For local merchants and residents, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about late-night safety and the value of security measures such as working storefront cameras and prompt reporting. Police canvassing of the 200 block of Kanoelehua Avenue and requests for any available surveillance footage could prove crucial, given that officers have said photos of the suspects are not available.

Police ask anyone who may have information about this incident to please contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2381, or via email at amy.omaya@hawaiipolice.gov. Information may also be provided through the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

The case remains open as investigators seek witnesses and additional evidence. For residents, the immediate next step is practical: anyone who was in downtown Hilo about 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 11 or who has video from nearby businesses or vehicles should contact Detective Amy Omaya. HPD’s outreach indicates the department expects community tips to shape the next phase of the investigation and may issue further updates as leads develop.