Man, 32, arrested in connection with downtown Hilo robbery, assault

Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a robbery and assault that occurred Tuesday afternoon in downtown Hilo near the new Hawaii County homeless camp.

Kukaua Keli‘iho‘oluhi Kaupe Bright, who has no permanent address, was arrested at at 3:15 p.m. today in downtown Hilo.

On Tuesday at approximately 2:55 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a reported assault on Ponahawai Street, where two men said they were attacked while working as survey contractors for the county.

The men reported that just prior to calling police, they were conducting a drone survey off of Ponahawai when several men began walking towards the victims.

The victims reported that the men seemed angry, so the surveyors began loading their equipment into their vehicle in an attempt to leave and avoid a confrontation.

As the victims were attempting to drive off, they were stopped by the men, who questioned the victims about what they were doing in the area.

After the victims informed the men of who they were and the job they were hired to do, two of the men began assaulting the victims while they were seated within their vehicle.

The victims received injuries to their faces, and one of the suspects reached into the vehicle and took a driver’s license and drone pilot license belonging to one of the victims. The two victims then drove off to avoid being further assaulted.

Police are continuing this investigation,and Bright has not been charged.

Police ask anyone who may have witnesses this incident or who may have information relative to this investigation to call Detective Jeremy Kubojiri at (808) 961-2378, or via email at jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.