Vandals Seen Destroying Papaya Trees in Puna

News Release from Hawaii County Police Department

Big Island police are investigating damage to papaya trees in Puna.

Approximately 35 papaya trees were knocked over Monday (June 11) in a papaya farm located near 8 ½ mile camp in Keaʻau. Damages were estimated at $1,750.

Workers in the area observed two males knocking over the trees and striking at the fruit and branches with sticks. The males left the area on bicycles and were last seen getting into a blue Toyota 4-door pickup truck.

One suspect is described as possibly in his teens with dark skin, short hair, and wearing a white tank top and dark shorts. The other is described as having dark skin, short hair, wearing dark shorts and a black T-shirt with yellow writing on it, and carrying a backpack. The pickup truck that picked them up was last seen in the area of Kaloli Drive in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

Police ask that anyone who see suspicious or unusual activity in any papaya farm call 911 immediately.

Anyone wishing to share information that does not require immediate attention may call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Citizens may also call the Police Department’s Kuleana Hotline at 961-2219.

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