Kona car thefts lead to fuel purchases, police seek suspects
A stolen Hyundai Kona became a tool for more thefts and $336.05 in unauthorized purchases across Kona and Captain Cook, and police identified Carolyn Samson.
A theft in the 75-5500 block of Māmalahoa Highway quickly spread across West Hawai‘i, leaving investigators with two stolen vehicles, unauthorized fuel and food purchases, and surveillance images of at least one suspect. Hawai‘i Island police said the crime sequence began sometime between 3 and 7 a.m. on June 8, when three suspects took a gray 2025 Hyundai Kona from a private residence.
Police said the stolen Hyundai was then used to steal a black 2004 Toyota Tacoma with sunroof damage and Hawai‘i license plate NJP 597. After that, investigators said the Hyundai was driven to a business in the vicinity of the 76 block of Kuakini Highway, where a debit card left inside the vehicle was used for three fuel purchases totaling $284.95. A second surveillance video from a business off Māmalahoa Highway in Captain Cook captured the same card being used to buy food and drinks totaling $51.10.
Detectives said surveillance footage identified a female suspect as Carolyn Samson, and one suspect has already been positively identified through that footage. Police have not said whether the other suspects have been identified, and the investigation remained ongoing as of Monday.
The case underscores how a single vehicle theft can ripple beyond one neighborhood, touching gas stations, restaurants and other businesses across Kona, Kuakini Highway and Captain Cook. It also highlights the role of cameras and card misuse in helping investigators track suspects after the initial thefts.
Anyone with information can call the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Hawaii Island Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Crime Stoppers says anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, and callers receive a code number to track the case without giving their name. The department says 911 is reserved for emergencies, while the non-emergency line is for other reports. The Kona Community Policing Section also continues local outreach, including monthly Kupuna Watch meetings in Kailua-Kona, as residents are asked to help identify anyone still at large.
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