Police Seek Public Help Identifying Kailua-Kona Credit Card Fraud Suspect

A man captured on surveillance cameras making purchases at multiple Kailua-Kona businesses between March 13 and March 16 is now the subject of a public identification appeal from the Hawai'i Police Department, which believes he used a stolen or fraudulently obtained credit card across several retail transactions spanning four days.

HPD released a still image pulled from surveillance footage collected at the affected businesses and published a media release asking anyone who recognizes the man to contact investigators. The department has not released a name, made an arrest, or filed charges; the public appeal is designed to convert the surveillance photo into an identification that could support arrest and prosecution.

The fraud unfolded across multiple locations in Kailua-Kona, with investigators piecing together a pattern of transactions that stretched across four consecutive days. HPD detectives coordinated with the affected businesses, which were also reminded to preserve surveillance footage and transaction records relevant to the case. The appeal was posted April 2 and picked up by local radio and community outlets to extend its reach across the island.

Credit card fraud cases that span multiple businesses and multiple days carry compounding costs for small retailers who bear the immediate financial hit while investigations proceed. On an island where investigative and prosecutorial resources are finite, community tips often determine whether a surveillance image leads to an arrest or goes cold. HPD noted that tips are handled confidentially, and residents were urged to call rather than attempt any contact with the individual themselves.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the surveillance image should contact the Hawai'i Police Department Detective Section for the Kona district or reach HPD through its tip line. The department's media releases and tip line contact information are available at hawaiipolice.gov.