Media release by Hawaii County Police

Police are investigating a reported robbery attempt in a Hilo park early Thursday morning (January 31).

At about 6:32 a.m., police received a report that an 82-year-old female visitor was walking near the area of Liliuokalani Park on Banyan Drive in Hilo when she was accosted by two male suspects. One of them approached her from behind and attempted to forcibly remove her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground, while the other watched. After their unsuccessful attempt, both suspects fled the area empty handed.

The victim was uninjured and declined treatment.

One suspect was described as in his 20s, approximately 6- feet tall with a slim build. The other was shorter, described as about 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7, also with a slim build. Both were wearing dark clothing.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing this investigation, which is classified as an attempted second-degree robbery.

Although the Banyan Drive peninsula is a relatively safe area, police would like to issue an advisory to the public who often frequent the park and surrounding areas during the early morning or late evening hours for exercise—as well as others who may be in the area—to be cognizant of their surroundings. In addition, park users should have a flashlight available during the hours of darkness.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this robbery attempt or who has any information about it call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Joel Field at 961-2381. Detective Field may also be reached by email at jfield@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 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.