June 12, 2010 – Kealakekua, Hawaii

The following media release was issued by the Hawaii County Police Department:

Big Island police are investigating the robbery of two tourists in Kealakekua.

At 4 p.m. Friday (June 11), Kona patrol officers responded to a coffee processing company on Napoopoo Road, where a 63-year-old Tennessee man and his 58-year-old wife reported that they had been walking on a tour path when two local men in their early 20s confronted them. One of the suspects, described as 5-foot-10, 220 pounds and wearing gray shorts and a white T-shirt, grabbed the woman from behind, threatened her with a knife, demanded money and grabbed her purse. The second suspect, described as 5-foot-5, 180 pounds and wearing a brown shirt, demanded money from the husband. When the Tennessee man said he didn’t have any, the attacker struck him across the face.

The suspects fled the immediate area on foot and then got drove away in an older-model red Honda Civic with gold rims.

The male victim was treated for his injuries at Kona Community Hospital and then released. The female victim reported no injuries.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case call Detective Tyson Matsumura at 326-4646, extension 277, or 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. All Crime Stoppers calls are kept confidential.